Women doctors reveal abuse and harassment in Pakistan's hospitals

In Pakistan's hospitals, a crisis is silently unfolding that goes beyond the challenges of healthcare delivery or patient management. A growing number of women doctors are coming forward, shining a light on the deeply entrenched issue of abuse and harassment that has plagued their professional environments for far too long. These brave voices tell tales of a distressing spectrum of misconduct, from verbal abuse and career sabotage to outright physical and sexual harassment, painting a troubling picture of the realities faced by female healthcare workers within the walls of their institutions. The healthcare sector in Pakistan, mirroring global trends, boasts a significant percentage of female practitioners. Many of these women, having dedicated years to rigorous academic and professional training, enter their fields with hopes of contributing positively to healthcare delivery and patient care. However, they are often met with a starkly different reality—one where their gender becomes a basis for discrimination, undermining their capabilities and subjecting them to unwarranted harassment. One poignant narrative involves Dr. Ayesha (a pseudonym used to protect her identity), a young resident doctor in one of Karachi's hospitals. Driven by a passion for medicine and a desire to serve, Dr. Ayesha's enthusiasm soon turned into disillusionment when she became a target of sexual harassment by a senior colleague. Despite her commitment and competence, she found herself navigating a hostile work environment where predatory behavior overshadowed professional interactions. Like many others in her position, Dr. Ayesha initially hesitated to come forward, fearing reprisal and professional ostr