Kolkata: Reaffirming its long-standing commitment to women’s health and empowerment, The Bengal Obstetric & Gynaecological Society (BOGS) organised a dedicated Public Forum on “Saving Women’s Lives and Awareness” during its 49th Annual Conference, BOGSCON 49, held from 19th to 21st December 2025 at ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata.
The Public Forum was spearheaded by Dr. M. M. Samsuzzoha, President, BOGS, and Dr. Tulika Jha, Honorary Secretary, BOGS, who outlined the Society’s strategic vision and sustained initiatives aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for women, particularly among underserved and marginalised communities.
The distinguished panel included eminent medical professionals Dr. Dibyendu Banerjee and Dr. Sebanti Goswami, along with influential voices from education, civil society, media and culture. Panelists comprised Mrs. Seema Sapru, Principal, The Heritage School; Ms. Kasturi Raha, President, Calcutta Club; acclaimed film personality and rights activist Ms. Debleena Dutt; Ms. Priyanka Roy, Assistant Editor, T2; and Mr. Abijit Ganguly from Beyond Academics.
Discussions at the forum focused on awareness-driven interventions to prevent life-threatening conditions affecting women, the critical role of education and advocacy in reproductive and preventive healthcare, and the collective responsibility of institutions and society in empowering women to make informed health decisions.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M. M. Samsuzzoha, President, BOGS, said, “Saving women’s lives goes far beyond clinical intervention. Awareness, early detection, and community engagement are the cornerstones of sustainable women’s healthcare. Through this forum, BOGS aimed to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Tulika Jha, Honorary Secretary, BOGS, stated, “Women’s health is intrinsically linked to social empowerment. By bringing together medical experts and thought leaders from diverse fields, we hoped to inspire informed choices, stronger advocacy, and meaningful change at the grassroots level.”
BOGSCON 49, the flagship annual academic conference of BOGS, witnessed participation from over 1,200 gynaecologists from across the state and beyond. The conference theme for 2025–2026, “Saving Women’s Lives: From Awareness to Action,” underscored the Society’s focus on translating clinical expertise and advocacy into measurable health outcomes.
With a legacy spanning over 90 years, BOGS has made a tangible impact through sustained community outreach initiatives, facilitating 800 free cervical cancer vaccinations, 700 anaemia screenings, 500 cervical cancer screening tests, and 100 breast cancer screening tests, significantly strengthening preventive and early-detection healthcare for women across socio-economic strata.
As a founding member of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), BOGS continues to play a pivotal role in shaping regional and national discourse on women’s healthcare, reaffirming its mission to build a healthier and more equitable future for women.
