Cricket legend MS Dhoni and Emcure Pharma’s Whole-Time Director, Namita Thapar, have joined forces in a compelling discussion to underline the urgent need to prioritise women’s health.
A video shared by Namita on her podcast, Uncondition Yourself with Namita, highlights how women—despite being the backbone of their families—often have their health concerns ignored or trivialised. The video calls for open conversations about women’s health, urging a shift from dismissive attitudes to an environment where women feel empowered to speak up.
The discussion is part of Emcure’s Arth campaign, which seeks to challenge social attitudes and encourage women to take control of their health.
During their conversation, Namita playfully challenges Dhoni by asking if he knows his own haemoglobin levels or those of his wife, Sakshi. Caught off guard, Dhoni admits he has no idea. Both agree that, despite being the nucleus of the family, women frequently neglect their own well-being.
“When women talk about their own health, family members may be dismissive,” Dhoni remarks. “Mocking remarks like 'ye normal hai' need to be replaced with empathy and action. Women must be heard and supported, not dismissed.” He insists that both men and women must contribute to changing these outdated perspectives, ensuring that women are encouraged to seek regular health check-ups and timely treatment.
Namita, a dedicated advocate for women’s health, echoes Dhoni’s views. She adds, “A condescending attitude, with remarks like ‘maybe she’s going through PMS or hormonal mood swings,’ often discourages women from speaking up. Addressing these health-related challenges by creating a supportive and empathetic environment is essential, ensuring that health is never a barrier to women’s personal and professional growth.”
Dhoni concludes with a powerful reminder: “Health is wealth. Sacrifice some comfort, give some time to yourself and invest it in your health; it will pay good dividends.”