The dearth of accessible health services for women residing in the western suburbs of Melbourne has been underscored by a local gynaecologist, shedding light on a pervasive issue in the region’s healthcare landscape.
Dr. Sneha Parghi, an experienced obstetrician and gynaecologist, voiced concerns regarding the scarcity of specialized care for women’s health needs in Melbourne’s western precincts.
“Having dedicated years to women’s health, it’s evident that there’s a glaring absence of services available to women in the west, a situation that has persisted for quite some time,” Dr. Parghi remarked.
“The broader negligence of healthcare services in Melbourne’s west has resulted in an overall disregard for women’s health. This unfortunate confluence deprives women of vital avenues to access the assistance they require,” she added.
The predicament in the western suburbs spotlights a wider concern regarding the lack of focus on women’s health in general. The situation forces women to undertake journeys into the city for requisite care, encompassing specialized gynaecological services, private obstetric care, and termination services.
A spokesperson from the state government acknowledged this pertinent issue and affirmed the allocation of substantial funding to address women’s health-related challenges. The spokesperson acknowledged that women’s health concerns have historically been underdiagnosed and emphasized the government’s initiatives to rectify this.
“In an effort to provide comprehensive care, we are introducing 20 new women’s health clinics, designed to offer holistic solutions. These clinics will serve as convenient, cost-free options for women to access essential healthcare close to home,” the spokesperson explained.
However, Dr. Parghi cautioned against adopting a one-size-fits-all strategy and highlighted the need for a nuanced approach.
“While endometriosis has garnered rightful attention lately, it’s essential to remember that not all instances of pain stem from endometriosis, and not all cases of endometriosis cause pain. Pain is a complex issue, necessitating multifaceted solutions from interdisciplinary teams,” Dr. Parghi asserted.
“I ardently hope that these forthcoming women’s health centers take this into account during their conception and execution, ensuring a comprehensive approach to address the complexities of women’s health concerns,” she concluded.
