Imagine a business opportunity with a guaranteed return of £11 for every £1 invested. A sector that, if given an extra £1 per participant in England, could add a staggering £319 million in gross value to the economy. Surely, investors would line up to back such an enterprise. Who wouldn’t want to support an initiative with such a clear, tangible return?
This isn't some abstract tech start-up or speculative property venture. It’s much closer to home. It's women’s health. Specifically, obstetrics and gynaecology services.
The Hidden Economy in Women’s Health
As the NHS Confederation found, every additional pound invested per woman in these critical health services could generate an elevenfold return. To put that in perspective, this is an economic boost of £319 million - a figure that underscores not just financial gain but the value of healthier, more productive lives.
So, why aren’t we talking about it? Why isn’t this a headline story in boardrooms, investment meetings, or parliamentary budgets?
Women’s health is often framed as a "cost" rather than an investment, a narrative that ignores its potential as an economic powerhouse. We’re missing a golden opportunity to enhance not only health outcomes but also national productivity. This neglect isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s an everyone issue.
The Paradox of Perception
Let’s face it - if the same ROI was attributed to, say, infrastructure projects or emerging technologies, funding would likely pour in without hesitation. Why, then, do we hesitate when the investment is in women’s bodies?
This disparity reflects a broader bias in how we value health and productivity. Women make up nearly half the workforce in England, yet health conditions related to gynaecology and obstetrics can significantly impact their ability to work, study, or care for their families. By failing to invest in these areas, we’re not just neglecting women's wellbeing - we’re short-changing the economy and society at large.
Why Men Should Care About Women’s Health
Here’s where it gets personal: supporting investments in obstetrics and gynaecology isn’t about "doing the right thing" (though it is). It’s about recognising the ripple effects. Healthier women mean healthier families, workplaces, and communities. If we invest in women’s health, we’re investing in a more stable, prosperous society for everyone.
Think of it as diversifying your portfolio: broadening the scope of investments to include underfunded but high-yield opportunities. This isn’t charity - it’s smart economics.
Changing the Narrative
It’s time to reframe how we view women’s health. Instead of seeing it as a cost centre, let’s position it as the untapped resource it is. Policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike must recognise the extraordinary value in ensuring robust healthcare services for women.
So, here’s the challenge: if you’d jump at the chance to invest in an initiative offering £11 back for every £1 invested, why hesitate when the ROI involves something as fundamental as health?
The conversation isn’t about whether we can afford to invest in women’s health. It’s about whether we can afford not to. The answer is clear. Let’s start acting on it.
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