SEASON 2 : India's First Self-Sampling Pap Kit to Fight Cervical Cancer - Sayantani, Founder Pragmatech.

In this episode, we're discussing India's first clinically validated self-sampling Pap kit, a product designed to help women test for cervical cancer at home and aid in the fight against cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among Indian women, with over 60,000 women dying from it each year. It’s also the most common cancer affecting women in India, according to the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences. Shockingly, less than 2% of women in India have been screened for it.

Join me as I speak with Dr. Sayantani Pramanik, Co-founder of Pragmatech, to discuss their innovative solution, the CERVICHECK Self-Sampling Pap Kit and everything about cervical cancer. 

Dr. Sayantani shares her personal experiences with traditional Pap tests and how she and her husband identified and addressed the gaps in comfort and accessibility in cervical cancer screening. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• Why cervical cancer rates are higher among Indian women.
• Early signs and preventive measures for cervical cancer.
• The effectiveness of the HPV vaccine and recommended timing for vaccination.
• Reasons for the low rate of cervical screenings in India and ways to improve this.
• Different types of screening tests and how often they should be done.
• What is the difference between the HPV vaccine and a Pap smear?

She also demonstrated the product, showing how the kit works and how women can easily and safely collect their own samples at home. Dr. Sayantani Pramanik explained each step of the process, from using the kit to sending the sample for analysis. We highlighted the kit's design features that ensure accuracy and ease of use.

Dr. Sayantani also reflects on the challenges of building a healthcare product in India and how her appearance on Shark Tank India, along with an investment from Namita Thapar, impacted her company’s growth. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to learn about cervical cancer, HPV, pap smears, and the importance of early detection in women’s health, we also highlighted supportive policies, increasing awareness, and creating community support for women's health.

Watch the full video on Youtube 

DISCLAIMER: The content presented in this podcast is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It's always advisable to consult with your doctor or qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.