Aligarh: "Most people in India do not differentiate between healthcare and patient care. Patient care refers to treating diseases, whereas healthcare focuses on addressing lifestyle-related factors that contribute to health conditions," said Prof Kauser Usman from King George's Medical University, Lucknow.

Prof Usman was addressing the inaugural session of the national workshop on ‘Managing Menopause: Holistic Care Approaches and Recent Advancements in Its Management’ organized by the Department of Niswan-Wa-Qabalat in Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College at Aligarh Muslim University.

Prof Usman emphasized that medical research has increasingly shifted toward drug discovery rather than understanding broader healthcare scenarios that could help prevent diseases. He urged people to prioritize health factors such as avoiding fast food, tobacco, and alcohol, maintaining regular physical activity, and using medications only when necessary.

In his presidential remarks, Prof Asfar Ali Khan, Director of AMU Schools, stated that menopause remains an under-discussed issue despite its significance for half of the world’s population. He stressed the importance of raising awareness and preparing women from an early age to navigate this transition with confidence.

The guest of honour Dr Faiza Abbasi, Director, UGC-Malviya Mission Teacher Training Centre, highlighted that menopause is a major phase in a woman’s life, often accompanied by physical and psychological challenges. She expressed hope that the workshop would dispel common misconceptions and provide women with a deeper understanding of the medical aspects of menopause.

Prof Ubaidullah Khan, Dean, Faculty of Unani Medicine, noted that menopause triggers hormonal changes that can lead to various health issues. He encouraged participants and experts to explore these changes in depth during the workshop sessions and propose practical strategies for managing them.

Prof Badruddoja Khan, Principal of Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, lauded the workshop's theme and urged Unani health professionals to enhance their knowledge for better management of menopausal health.

Welcoming the guests, the organizing secretary and chairperson of the department, Prof Suboohi Mustafa, stated that the workshop aims to address the complexities of menopause and equip healthcare professionals with the skills to manage its physiological, psychological, and social aspects effectively.

The program was conducted by Dr Fahmeeda Zeenat, while the co-organizing secretary, Dr Abiha Ahmad Khan, delivered the vote of thanks.