PCOS awareness drive concludes at SKIMS

Srinagar, Sep 30: A mega awareness initiative aimed at highlighting Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) concluded today at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), held in collaboration with the M.P. PCOS Society of India under the Government of India’s Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan.

Speaking on the occasion, Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, said that India, often referred to as the “PCOS Capital,” has over 44.4 million women affected by PCOS—the highest after China and the United States. He emphasized that SKIMS "Coordinator Centre For PCOS" for has been an integral part of India’s largest PCOS study, which has been a significant eye-opener in recognizing the condition as a major public health concern.

Prof. Ashraf Ganie underlined the widespread misconceptions surrounding PCOS and stressed the need for sustained awareness campaigns to educate the public. “PCOS has varied presentations across age groups—from pediatric to geriatric patients—making early identification and intervention vital,” he noted.

Addressing young girls in the audience, he urged them to become “brand ambassadors of change” by spreading awareness within their families and communities. He reiterated that women are custodians of future generations, and therefore must take charge of their health to ensure a healthier progeny.

The Director thanked the media for their comprehensive coverage of the awareness drives and health camps, which helped in amplifying the message and educating the public. He further stated that SKIMS will continue to collaborate with educational institutions for screenings, expert lectures, and awareness initiatives. “Any institution can approach SKIMS, which runs a dedicated PCOS Clinic providing comprehensive care and management for women with PCOS,” he added.

As part of the campaign, SKIMS conducted a series of awareness programs and health camps in different districts under the roll-out of Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan. The initiative focused on educating women about preventive measures and lifestyle modifications essential in managing PCOS, a highly prevalent non-communicable condition that impacts women’s health and well-being.

The awareness sessions were held across multiple educational institutions, including Degree College Bandipora, Government Degree College for Women Anantnag, Government Degree College for Women Pulwama, and Government Degree College Baramulla, to name a few. These programs featured expert lectures and interactive sessions on early detection, prevention, and lifestyle interventions for PCOS.