Strong Women Start with Strong Health: The Bengal Obstetric & Gynecological Society (BOGS),

Kolkata, 11 August 2025  : Women’s health is central to the wellbeing of families and communities, yet millions face barriers to basic care, preventive screening, and reproductive health services. The Society stresses that early detection, regular check-ups, and community education can drastically reduce preventable illnesses among women, Breast Cancer is the commonest cancer in Indian women accounting for 28.2% of all cancers. It’s a major killer disease of Indian women causing an estimated 98,337 deaths in 2022. However, there is no vaccination available to prevent this cancer and therefore available screening methods are the only effective way to prevent the deadly disease.

The Bengal Obstetric & Gynecological Society (BOGS), a distinguished organization with a legacy of 89 years, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing women’s health at its annual health awareness event held in Kolkata. With over 1,200 gynecologists in its membership, BOGS remains at the forefront of promoting the health and well-being of women and girls, particularly those from underprivileged communities.

The theme for 2025–2026, “Saving Women’s Lives: From Awareness to Action”, echoes the society’s focus on turning awareness into concrete action that can save lives and improve health outcomes for women across the region.

Key Initiatives and Programs
As part of its mission to address the most pressing health issues facing women, BOGS is launching several initiatives aimed at empowering women with knowledge and access to crucial healthcare services. These include:
• Health Awareness Programs: Targeting various women’s health issues, with a special focus on educating underserved communities in Kolkata about preventive care and early detection.
• Free Consultation and Screening Tests: BOGS will provide free health consultations and screenings, including:
o Blood tests for anemia and Thalassemia
o Mammography for early breast cancer detection
o Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD) to assess post-menopausal osteoporosis
o Cervical screening through Pap smears and VIA tests to detect cervical cancer at its early stages
These programs will be offered throughout the year, with a focus on benefiting women and girls from marginalized and underprivileged sections of society.

Leadership Insights
In his keynote address, Dr. M.M. Samsuzzoha, President of BOGS, emphasized the importance of integrating awareness with actionable healthcare solutions. He stated:
“At BOGS, we recognize that awareness alone is not enough. To truly make a difference, we need to act—whether it’s through early detection, treatment, or education. This year’s theme reflects our collective commitment to improving the quality of life for every woman, particularly those who do not have easy access to healthcare.”
Dr. Tulika Jha, Honorary Secretary of BOGS, highlighted the society’s long-standing role in community healthcare. She shared:
“Women’s health has always been at the core of BOGS’ mission. We are proud of the impact we’ve made over nearly nine decades. This year, we continue to drive progress by ensuring that women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, have access to the healthcare services they need and deserve. Together, we can create a healthier future for generations to come.”

A Legacy of Advocacy
As a founding member of FOGSI (The Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India), BOGS continues to lead initiatives that contribute to both regional and national healthcare advancements. The society’s role extends beyond Kolkata, impacting public health on a broader scale through academic events, public health drives, and advocacy efforts aimed at addressing critical issues in women’s health.
With its tireless commitment to improving the healthcare of women and girls, BOGS remains an essential force in empowering women to take control of their health and well-being. Through initiatives like these, BOGS is not only raising awareness but also catalyzing meaningful change for a healthier tomorrow.