Heatwaves, Hidden Burdens, and Hope: A Young Doctor’s View on Climate and Women’s Health in India

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Dr. Pratik Sarangi, a medical graduate from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi, India. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Climate change is often discussed in terms of melting glaciers and rising sea levels. In clinics and communities across India, however, its most immediate impact is far more personal, and often disproportionately borne by Women.

From the perspective of a young healthcare professional, the intersection of climate change and women’s health is not theoretical; it is visible in everyday practice… Increasing heatwaves are linked to higher risks of dehydration, preterm labor and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. In rural and peri-urban settings, where access to cooling, hydration and antenatal care may already be limited, these risks are amplified.

Air pollution is another climate-linked crisis that adds to this burden. Women, particularly those exposed to indoor biomass fuels, face a dual risk: chronic respiratory illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Meanwhile, changing rainfall patterns and flooding contribute to the spread of vector-borne diseases, disproportionately affecting women who often serve as primary caregivers but often delay seeking care for themselves.

Beyond biology, the social dimensions are equally significant. Climate-induced migration, food insecurity and water scarcity tend to increase women’s workload and reduce their access to education and healthcare. In many Indian households, women eat last and least – making nutritional deficiencies more pronounced during times of environmental stress.

Yet, this is not a narrative of Vulnerability alone, it is also one of Agency.

India’s young healthcare workforce stands at a critical juncture. We are uniquely positioned to recognize these layered inequities early and respond innovatively. This begins with integrating climate-sensitive approaches into clinical care – asking the right questions about environmental exposures, counseling patients on heat safety and nutrition, and identifying those at higher risk.

Equally important is advocacy. Young doctors can amplify community voices, push for cleaner energy policies and support public health measures that prioritize women’s needs such as climate-resilient maternal health programs and accessible primary care services.

Technology and grassroots engagement also offer powerful tools. Telemedicine can bridge access gaps during extreme weather events, while community outreach, especially through local health workers, can ensure that climate information is translated into actionable, culturally relevant guidance for women.

Perhaps most importantly, we must reframe how we think about healthcare itself. Climate change is no longer a distant environmental issue; it is a present and pressing public health emergency. Addressing it requires not just treatment, but prevention, awareness and systemic change.

As the next generation of healthcare professionals, our role extends beyond hospital walls. If we listen closely, adapt thoughtfully and advocate persistently, we can help build a future where climate resilience and women’s health are not competing priorities, but shared goals.

Because in protecting women’s health, we are not just responding to climate change, we are shaping a more equitable and sustainable world.

About the author

Dr. Pratik Sarangi is a medical graduate from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi, India, and is currently serving on the Supervisory Council at MSAI-India. Having led many youth initiatives on public health and Women’s rights concerns and being an avid supporter of youth-led initiatives, he has advocated for equitable opportunities for young people to transform the Global healthcare sector. He believes that youth hold extreme responsibilities to fight global challenges through their energy, ideas and innovation. In addition, he is immensely passionate about writing and research. He has been an active member of the IFMSA since 2019.