Mahajan Imaging & Labs has recently hosted a Roundtable Conference on Integrated Diagnostics & Women’s Health at its flagship centre in Safdarjung Development Area in New Delhi.

The event brought together renowned experts from diverse fields to highlight the urgent need for gender-sensitive healthcare policies and women-centric preventive diagnostics.

Moderated by Image Guru and Public Relations expert Dilip Cherian, the panellists included leading medical professionals and social advocates. The roundtable explored key issues in women’s health, including cancer screening, mental well-being, and the role of integrated diagnostics in early disease detection.

Discussions underscored the importance of data-driven insights and community engagement in fostering preventive healthcare. Alarmingly, only 1 percent of women in India undergo screening for cervical cancer, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended target of 70 percent. Concerningly, screening rates for oral and breast cancer remain just as low, highlighting a critical gap in early detection that requires immediate attention.

Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat, Chairperson of the Asia Pacific Advisory Council, and Founder of Chetna Sansthan, Himachal Pradesh, emphasized the need for inclusive and gender-sensitive healthcare, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. She highlighted the Government of India’s commitment to accessible healthcare for all, including specialized services for persons with disabilities. "Healthcare equity begins with ensuring that every individual, especially women, women with disabilities, and persons with disabilities, have access to preventive care without hesitation or stigma," she asserted.

Dr. Nadda urged women across India to prioritize their health by participating in regular screenings and preventive healthcare programs, particularly for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and mental health. She emphasized the importance of early detection and noted that vaccines for cervical cancer are now available, making preventive care even more accessible.

She further called upon communities to embrace the Each One, Reach One philosophy, ensuring that every woman and every person with a disability is supported in accessing the healthcare services they need. Raising awareness in rural areas through dedicated programs is crucial in bridging the healthcare gap. “True progress lies in building a healthier nation where no one is left behind,” she affirmed.

Kapil Dev, Padma Shri awardee, Former Cricket Captain, Founder & Chairman of Khushii Foundation emphasized the role of grass root initiatives in improving healthcare accessibility. He highlighted the need to adopt healthier lifestyles and promote awareness about the importance of fitness across all age groups. “Health and education go hand in hand. At Khushii Foundation, we integrate health programs with diagnostics to ensure timely intervention. We have seen first-hand how preventive screenings can change lives. Through our initiatives, we empower communities with the knowledge they need to prioritize preventive care, dispel myths, and take proactive steps toward better health outcomes. When people understand the importance of early screening, they are more likely to seek timely medical attention, which results in better treatment outcomes,” he shared.

By fostering a culture of fitness and preventive healthcare, Kapil Dev underscored the collective responsibility of individuals and communities in building a healthier nation.

Dr. Neerja Bhatla, Gynecologist and Oncosurgeon, Former Head of the Department of Obs & Gynae, AIIMS, provided a comprehensive overview of prevalent health issues among Indian women, including anemia, breast, and cervical cancer. She emphasized that early screening and diagnostics, including the HPV test, are crucial in reducing the burden of these diseases. Dr. Bhatla further commented, “I notice that women’s health is still largely neglected primarily due to sheer ignorance. We require a behavioral change to empower women to focus on their health, and here, the media has a key role in educating men and women across socio-economic status.”

Gunjita Dhawan, a cancer survivor, inspired attendees by sharing her journey and the importance of early detection and community advocacy.

Dhawan said, “I sincerely appeal to all men and women to get their health checks done regularly. Diagnosing disease earlier results in a much better quality of life.” “Survivors have the power to influence others and encourage proactive health check-ups,” she remarked.

Dr. Shelly Mahajan, Lab Director, Mahajan Imaging & Labs, underscoring the role of data-driven insights in shaping future healthcare strategies, voiced - “Precision diagnostics powered by data analytics can significantly enhance early detection and treatment planning.”

She further added, “The fusion of genomics with AI-driven analysis and integration with medical imaging & lab medicine is paving the way for a future where we can anticipate health risks before they manifest, empowering both clinicians and patients to take proactive measures. By leveraging vast datasets, medical professionals can now detect patterns, predict disease progression, and personalize treatments with greater accuracy.”

Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Padma Shri awardee and Founder of Mahajan Imaging & Labs shared his valuable insights stating that “Integrated diagnostics is the future of healthcare, and its impact is most profound in women’s health. Our goal is to make cutting-edge screening and testing more accessible so that no woman is left undiagnosed or untreated.”

He also spoke about the revolutionary impact of integrated diagnostics, which combines imaging, molecular testing, and AI. He highlighted Mahajan Imaging & Labs' contributions over the past five years in advancing women-centric diagnostic solutions.

On the role that women play in society Dr. Mahajan commented, “At Mahajan Imaging & Labs we have always focussed on empowering women at all levels. We have seen first-hand that it has helped them to serve as productive members of society and develop healthy generations.  This roundtable is our humble attempt to disseminate the importance of health and wellness to women, who often ignore their health for others”

The conversation brought forth crucial perspectives from experts and changemakers, reinforcing the importance of preventive diagnostics, policy advocacy, and holistic well-being in transforming women’s healthcare.

The event reinforced Mahajan Imaging & Labs’ commitment to strengthening women’s healthcare through advanced diagnostic solutions, awareness programs, and collaborative efforts with policymakers, NGOs, and medical professionals.

This Roundtable Conference serves as a stepping stone towards a nationwide movement for prioritizing women’s preventive healthcare. Mahajan Imaging & Labs remains dedicated to pioneering innovative diagnostic solutions and advocating for greater awareness in this critical domain.