In a historic moment during the 67th All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AICOG 2025) at the Jio World Convention Centre, Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar, a globally recognized infertility specialist, endoscopic surgeon, and gynecologist, was formally installed as the 63rd President of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI).

Taking the reins of one of India’s most influential healthcare organizations, representing over 46,000 obstetricians and gynecologists across 277 societies, Dr. Tandulwadkar unveiled a bold vision for addressing critical women’s health challenges and advancing healthcare accessibility, education, and preventive care nationwide.

“It is both an honor and a responsibility to lead an organization like FOGSI,” said Dr. Tandulwadkar. “Through initiatives like Sampoorna: Swastha Janma Abhiyan, Know Your Numbers, and Do Teeke Zindagi Ke, we aim to empower women with the knowledge and resources they need to lead healthier lives, ensuring stronger communities and lasting change.”

Despite significant progress, India continues to grapple with persistent challenges in women’s health. High maternal mortality rates remain a concern, exacerbated by limited awareness of pre-conceptional care and inadequate antenatal checkups. Chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and anemia disproportionately affect women due to poor lifestyle habits and restricted access to healthcare. India also ranks among the highest globally in cervical cancer cases, largely due to low awareness of preventive measures like HPV vaccination. In rural and underserved communities, barriers to quality healthcare persist, leaving many women without timely treatment for conditions such as PCOS, fibroids, and reproductive health issues. Furthermore, a lack of basic reproductive health education often leads to late diagnoses of conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and infertility.

Under Dr. Tandulwadkar’s leadership, FOGSI is taking a proactive approach to tackle these challenges. The Sampoorna: Swastha Janma Abhiyan campaign emphasizes pre-conceptional care to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. Through health camps and educational drives, it aims to address key health indicators like weight, blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, blood sugar, and thyroid function, ultimately enhancing maternal and neonatal health. The Know Your Numbers initiative seeks to collect vital health data from over one million women across the country. By identifying early signs of chronic diseases, this initiative not only aims to prevent health complications but also provides critical epidemiological insights to help policymakers design targeted interventions. Meanwhile, the Do Teeke Zindagi Ke initiative is focused on combating cervical cancer by raising awareness about screening and HPV vaccination, with the goal of significantly increasing vaccination rates and reducing cancer incidence.

FOGSI, representing India’s obstetricians and gynecologists, is dedicated to enhancing women’s health through advocacy, education, and research. The AICOG 2025 conference serves as a vital platform for healthcare professionals and policymakers to exchange knowledge, discuss advancements, and foster collaborations in obstetrics and gynecology.

Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar’s presidency marks a transformative chapter in FOGSI’s history. With her visionary initiatives, she aims to address pressing healthcare challenges, empower women, and build a healthier, more inclusive future for generations to come.