New Delhi, 15th November 2023

 In response to the concerning issue of unnecessary hysterectomies, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has taken decisive action. It has meticulously outlined guidelines on hysterectomy, prompted by discussions in Parliament regarding the unwarranted procedures conducted across the nation.

 The MOHFW has mandated all States and Union Territories (UTs) to ensure the diligent implementation and strict adherence to these guidelines. Notably, the guidelines emphasize the establishment of State and District level hysterectomy committees for thorough monitoring. States and UTs have been expressly directed to form these committees within the month of November.

 In a missive dated 26th October 2023, the MOHFW has instructed all States and UTs to gather, analyze, and review data pertaining to hysterectomy cases involving women under 40 years of age, both in the public and private sectors. This proactive measure aims to curb the incidence of unnecessary hysterectomies in the country.

 Renowned Gynaecologist and Author, Dr. Tripti Sharan, says: "Not all hysterectomies are being done by gynaecologists; many are being done by unqualified & untrained people. 

 Dr. Sharan calls for a comprehensive approach, stating, "Correcting social inequality & gender bias, educating the masses about contraception, removing myths & taboos around menstruation, especially ritual impurity, giving more reproductive rights to women, educating girls and delaying the marriage of girls would work wonders for women’s health."

Detailed guidelines can be accessed by clicking on the following link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12DtFsFl00q8G52Iqmr_FwPML7DF7-PLB/view?usp=sharing