Too many healthcare systems fail women and children
Shruti Lohia Hora, director of Indorama Healthcare and AVPN Asia Gender Network member, shares her healthcare system experiences and how women and children can be better supported
Growing up in Jakarta, Indonesia, I witnessed firsthand the glaring gaps in healthcare. Inexperienced doctors and inadequate medical facilities meant that my family relied on Singapore’s world-class system for even basic check-ups. This stark contrast between privilege and need left a lasting impression on me.
After pursuing further undergraduate and graduate studies in the US, fate brought me back to Indonesia, where I began a healthcare career with Medisafe Technologies, a high-end medical glove manufacturing company based out of Medan. Under my leadership, Medisafe grew significantly, expanding operations globally—especially into the US market.
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After stepping back to focus on my family life with three children, I was again inspired to re-enter the healthcare field. Having moved to Singapore, where I have now spent the last 17 years, it was time to give back. And I had always wished to give back to India, which had been home to my parents and earlier generations of my family.
A joint venture with Dr Vethody Kumaran Pradeepkumar of the Kinder Medical Group led us to proudly establish Kinder Women and Child in South India in 2014, providing medical excellence and a secure place for birthing and general well-being services for women and children. Today, we operate three hospitals, with more in development. While this journey has been rewarding, it has also been a steep learning curve, requiring us to navigate significant challenges in India’s healthcare landscape.
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Singapore’s healthcare system excels because of its rigorous ethics, consistent monitoring, and thorough evaluation—qualities I was determined to bring to India. Yet, the path has not been easy. India’s complex regulatory environment, the challenge of retaining skilled medical staff, and the need to balance cost efficiency have tested our resolve. Despite these hurdles, our commitment to providing world-class care has never wavered.
One of the most troubling aspects of India’s healthcare system is the gender disparity. According to the National Family Health Survey, only 12 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 make decisions about their own healthcare, compared to 34 per cent of men. Boys are more likely to receive medical treatment than girls, even when socioeconomic factors are equal. This systemic inequity underscores the urgent need for a healthcare revolution that prioritises women and children.
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