Women's health is the health of society

The health of women was declared as the foundation of societal well-being during a major conference attended by over five hundred participants. The event, organized under the theme "Integrated Perspectives," brought together representatives from healthcare, public administration, experts, and patient advocates. At the opening session, Health Minister Jolanta Sobierska-Grenda emphasized that the health of women should not be treated as just one segment of public health policy but rather as its fundamental pillar. She called for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders—healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members—to create effective, accessible solutions tailored to real-life needs.

According to the minister, the conference aimed to move beyond fragmented approaches to women's health and instead adopt a continuous, coordinated strategy that considers the entire life cycle of women—from reproductive years through pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, aging, and long-term care. This approach would ensure that women receive timely diagnostic pathways, access preventive care, and have their needs addressed holistically throughout their lives.

One of the central topics discussed was the need for a systemic response to women’s health issues rather than treating symptoms in isolation. Prof. Ewa Barcz, an expert in gynecology and midwifery, highlighted the importance of addressing pelvic floor disorders, which affect many women, especially after the age of fifty. These conditions remain underrepresented in public discourse, medical education, and healthcare organization, despite their significant impact on quality of life.

Prof. Mariusz Bidziński, a national consultant in gynecological oncology, stressed the value of early detection and increased participation in preventive screenings. He noted that while there have been advancements in diagnosis and treatment, the ultimate goal should be identifying diseases at earlier stages and encouraging more women to undergo regular check-ups.

Prof. Violetta Skrzypulec-Plinta, head of the Department of Women's Health at the Silesian University of Medicine in Katowice, pointed out two areas requiring greater attention: gynecological care for girls and women with disabilities, and pediatric and adolescent gynecology. These fields often lack adequate resources and specialized expertise, leading to gaps in comprehensive care.

Dr. Maria Jessa-Jabłońska, deputy spokesperson for Patient Rights, emphasized the significance of patients being aware of their rights and having access to clear communication regarding preventive measures. She argued that understanding these rights helps individuals navigate the healthcare system more effectively. She also advocated for simpler information delivery methods such as text messages, emails, mobile applications, primary care physicians, and occupational medicine to enhance accessibility and reduce misinformation.

Marta Nowacka, president of the Board of the Association of County Hospitals in the Silesian Voivodeship, highlighted the ongoing challenges in coordinating care for women beyond pregnancy. She mentioned specific areas such as uro-gynecology and support for women who serve as caregivers for sick family members, indicating that these aspects still require better integration within the broader framework of women's health services.

Participants at the conference proposed several recommendations focused primarily on improving medical education, enhancing coordination between different sectors of healthcare, strengthening preventive measures, countering misinformation, and building trust in evidence-based medicine. They underscored the necessity of creating a unified approach that ensures women can benefit from comprehensive, integrated care systems designed to meet their diverse health needs throughout their lives.