𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

…𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏

Historically, women’s health has been significantly sidelined, with various aspects under-researched and underfunded. Despite women making up half of the global population, their specific health needs have often been overlooked in medical research and healthcare delivery. This neglect has led to substantial gaps in care, particularly in areas like preconception care and menopause.

Preconception care refers to the health of women (and men) during their reproductive years, before and between pregnancies, and it is crucial for leading to healthier pregnancies, babies, and mothers. However, it has not been a significant focus in healthcare. Nearly 45 percent of pregnancies worldwide are unplanned, leading to a higher risk of preterm births and maternal complications. Additionally, many women and couples are unaware of the importance of preconception care and the steps they should take to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, yet it has not received the attention it deserves. Approximately 1.2 billion women worldwide are expected to be postmenopausal by 2030. About 75 percent of women experience hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms, which can severely affect their quality of life. In the United States alone, menopause-related productivity losses cost businesses an estimated USD$150 billion annually.

The neglect of women’s health issues has profound economic implications. Conditions such as menstrual disorders, endometriosis, and menopause can lead to significant productivity losses. For instance, endometriosis alone is estimated to cost the global economy USD 78 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare costs. Women’s health issues also result in higher healthcare expenses due to delayed diagnosis and treatment. For example, the annual cost of treating ovarian cancer is significantly higher than that of other cancers because it is often diagnosed at a later stage. Additionally, health issues can lead to decreased workforce participation among women, impacting their economic stability and the overall economy.

Blessed with Article 9, Section 21 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, which mandates the state to provide free basic public healthcare both in traditional and modern medicines, Bhutan has made significant strides in improving the health and wellbeing of women through various services, support systems, and programs. Overall, Bhutanese women’s healthcare and support system show commendable progress and align well with global standards in many areas, often exceeding the global average in maternal health indicators and contraceptive prevalence.

Bhutan is also well on track with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and wellbeing (Goal 3) and gender equality (Goal 5). However, like many countries, there is still room for improvement. Continued initiatives, investments, and innovations are needed to further enhance the health and wellbeing of women in Bhutan. And Femtech is one such initiative.

Bhutan has made notable progress in improving women’s health outcomes, surpassing global averages in several key categories. For instance, the maternal mortality rate in Bhutan stands at 53 deaths per 100,000 live births, a significant improvement compared to the global average of 211 deaths per 100,000 live births. This is a testament to the country’s commitment to maternal health.

In terms of skilled birth attendance, Bhutan also excels, with 98percent of births attended by skilled health personnel, far exceeding the global average of 81 percent. Additionally, more than 90percent of pregnant women in Bhutan receive at least four antenatal care visits, which is a remarkable achievement compared to the global average of 86percent of women receiving at least one visit, with 65 percent attending four or more visits.

The contraceptive prevalence rate for women aged 15-49 in Bhutan is 74.2 percent, which is higher than the global average of 64 percent. This reflects Bhutan’s proactive approach to family planning and reproductive health.
When it comes to adolescent health and education, Bhutan stands out for implementing comprehensive programs in schools, which help improve knowledge and attitudes among adolescents. This is in contrast to many countries worldwide, where adolescent health education and the prevention of teenage pregnancies and STIs remain a challenge.

Bhutan’s health infrastructure is another strong point. While only 57 percent of the population in low-income countries has access to basic health services, Bhutan has established a robust network of Basic Health Units and District Hospitals, ensuring widespread access to healthcare services for its population.

Furthermore, Bhutan has effectively deployed Community Health Workers (CHWs), whose crucial role extends health services to remote areas, reflecting a well-implemented strategy that differs from the variable effectiveness seen globally. Bhutan’s National Health Policy, which emphasizes universal health coverage and reducing health inequalities, aligns well with best practices, ensuring that the country continues to make strides toward improving health outcomes for women.

The term “Femtech,” short for female technology, was coined in 2016 by Danish entrepreneur Ida Tin, co-founder of the menstrual health app, Clue. It describes the intersection of women’s health and technology. Femtech encompasses a range of products and services designed to improve women’s health through technological innovations. These include period-tracking apps, fertility solutions, pregnancy and nursing care, women’s sexual wellness products, reproductive system healthcare, diagnostics, and specialized software.

Femtech covers a broad spectrum of categories including preconception, menstrual health, sexual health and wellbeing, menopause, fertility, supplements, diagnostic tests and screenings, medical devices, research, and more. The promise of Femtech lies in its ability to address the existing disparities in women’s healthcare by leveraging technology to improve their overall health.

Femtech is today regarded as a revolution in women’s health and wellbeing. The future of femtech is bright, with endless possibilities. Femtech aims to address existing healthcare gaps by leveraging technology to enhance women’s health. Here are some key areas where femtech is making a significant impact:

Innovations in menstrual health include apps that track menstrual cycles, providing valuable data for both women and healthcare providers. Products like menstrual cups and period-proof underwear offer sustainable alternatives to traditional menstrual products. These advancements not only improve women’s health but also promote environmental sustainability.

Femtech solutions in reproductive health range from fertility tracking apps to at-home fertility tests. These tools empower women with knowledge about their reproductive health, enabling them to make informed decisions about family planning. Companies like Modern Fertility offer affordable and accessible hormone testing, providing insights that were previously only available through expensive and invasive procedures.

Maternal health is another critical area where Femtech is making strides. Telehealth platforms provide pregnant women with remote access to healthcare providers, ensuring they receive timely care regardless of their location. Wearable devices monitor vital signs and fetal health, alerting women and their doctors to potential issues before they become serious.

Femtech companies are developing products and services to help women manage menopausal symptoms. From hormone replacement therapy (HRT) delivered through personalized treatments to apps that track and provide advice on managing symptoms, these innovations offer much-needed support to women navigating menopause.

Sexual health is an often overlooked aspect of women’s health, but femtech is breaking down taboos and providing solutions for issues like sexual dysfunction and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Products like vibrators and lubricants designed with women’s health in mind are gaining acceptance, and apps offering STI testing and treatment are making sexual health care more accessible.

Mental health is intricately linked to physical health, and femtech is addressing this by providing mental health support tailored to women’s needs. Apps offering therapy, meditation, and stress management techniques help women manage their mental health, which is crucial for overall wellbeing.

Founded by Lindsay Davis, FemTech Association Asia is the region’s first and largest specialist advisory and industry network for femtech founders, professionals, and investors, united by a core focus on improving women’s health through technology solutions. The organization aims to drive collaboration to accelerate the creation of more healthcare solutions for more women, serving as the gateway to the femtech industry in Asia. Its vision is accessible, available, and affordable women’s healthcare for all women across the region.

FemTech Association Asia is now present in ten countries in Asia, including Bhutan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

As the Brand Ambassador for FemTech Association Asia in Bhutan, I am dedicated to raising awareness for the organization’s products, services, and values, and expanding the FemTech Association Asia network in the country. My commitment is to advance this cause and ensure that women in Bhutan have access to innovative, culturally-relevant, and holistic health solutions.

By fostering collaboration, breaking down stigmas, and leveraging technology, we can make substantial progress in improving women’s health and wellbeing in Bhutan. I am committed to collaborating with local stakeholders, including the government, UN organizations, international and regional bodies, civil society organizations, individuals, and communities. Together, we can bring accessible, culturally relevant femtech solutions that comprehensively address women’s health needs. Our collective efforts will further enhance the quality of life and wellbeing for women in Bhutan, aligning with the nation’s values and aspirations for holistic health and Gross National Happiness (GNH).

By Dorji Dhradhul, Brand Ambassador, FemTech Association, Asia in Bhutan