FOGSI (Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies of India) in conjunction with Bayer Zydus Pharma has launched the key practice points for endometriosis – VISION (Valuable Insights in Indian Endometriosis - Redefining Outcomes) at the ‘National Conference on Technology, Advances and Infections in Obstetrics and Gynaecology’ in Hyderabad. Over 200 thought leaders from across India were involved in formulating the protocols of practice on endometriosis after a national meeting in Mumbai followed by regional meetings in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and early this year.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects five to ten percent of women of childbearing age. About 176 million women suffer from it globally, and of these 26 million women belong to India alone[i]. The objective of VISION is to understand the current usage pattern of various therapeutic options in Endometriosis and develop an algorithm to guide doctors at the point of care in the management of endometriosis based on different patient profiles. The protocol will focus on providing management recommendations for endometriosis to physicians and patients from an Indian perspective.

Highlighting the key focus of VISION, Dr Nandita Palshetkar, President - FOGSI said, “The key practice points aim to engage the medical fraternity to be more cognitive of diseases such as endometriosis and provide patients with the right diagnosis and treatment options. Since management of endometriosis can be challenging for the patients and the treating doctors, VISION will enable us to execute a multi-disciplinary approach and expertise to improve patient’s quality of life. I urge all gynaecologist to refer to these practice points and ensure best treatment methods are followed.”

Manoj Saxena, Managing Director - Bayer Zydus Pharma, added further “Collaborations like this have a potential to bring about development within the social structure and address the health concerns of women in the society. With almost nine decades of experience, Bayer has been a true pioneer in the field of women's health. We have been working closely with FOGSI over the years on several initiatives and this joint effort to develop a protocol for managing endometriosis, extends our practice of research and development for innovative medications and new therapeutic approaches, helping make a difference to lives of Indian women suffering from endometriosis.  We will also continue to raise awareness on endometriosis as part of ‘Bayer for Women’ initiative where we address various women’s health topics, with an aim to improve their quality of life.”

Diseases such as endometriosis represent a great unmet medical need in the gynaecology field. These diseases generally have a substantial negative impact on the health and quality of life of affected patients. There is a need to develop more satisfactory drug therapies for these common disorders, which affect a large number of women in our society. For several years now, Bayer has therefore been focusing its research on women's health on developing new therapies for these gynaecological diseases. Bayer’s association with FOGSI highlights their efforts in increasing awareness for endometriosis at the physician and patient level.

The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) is the professional organization representing practitioners of obstetrics and gynaecology in India. With 252 member societies and over 36,000 individual members spread over the length and breadth of the country, FOGSI is one of the largest membership-based organizations of specialized professionals. FOGSI exists to encourage and disseminate knowledge, education and research in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology, to pilot and promote preventive and therapeutic services related to the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology for betterment of the health of women and children in particular and the wellbeing of the community in general, to advocate the cause of reproductive health and rights and to support and protect the interest of practitioners of obstetrics and gynecology in India.