Scottish government launches country’s first women’s health plan

Initiative described as first stage of a long-term commitment to reducing health inequalities for women'

Commitments to reduce waiting times for diagnosing endometriosis from over eight years to less than 12 months, offer individual care plans after a woman's first miscarriage and widen access to specialist menopause services form part of the Scottish government's first women's health plan, published on Friday.

The plan, which was informed by women's own testimonies, is described as the first stage of a long-term commitment to reducing health inequalities for women". The 68-page document also pledges to appoint a national women's health champion, establish a research fund to close gaps in scientific and medical knowledge and improve information and public awareness of heart disease symptoms and risks for women.