The Silent Crisis: Female Healthcare Workers in Pakistan Face Harassment and Violence
Last Updated: Sep 26, 2024 | 11:59 AM IST
In hospitals across Pakistan, female healthcare professionals are grappling with a grim reality characterized by sexual harassment, violence, and verbal abuse. This pervasive issue has become an almost daily ordeal for many women in the medical field, revealing a hidden crisis that remains largely unreported. Fear of retaliation, job loss, and societal stigma often silence victims, leaving their harrowing experiences in the shadows.
A Culture of Abuse
The accounts of female doctors and nurses paint a disturbing picture of an entrenched culture of abuse that extends beyond hospital staff to include patients and their families. A recent incident in India, where a 31-year-old trainee doctor was raped and murdered in a Kolkata hospital, has intensified fears among female healthcare workers in Pakistan. Many women feel vulnerable in their workplaces, and over a dozen female medics shared their concerns with The BBC, often choosing to remain anonymous due to the potential backlash.
Widespread Harassment and Fear of Retaliation
One particularly alarming case involved a young doctor who was filmed in a hospital restroom by a male colleague. The perpetrator used the video to blackmail her, and despite her attempts to report the crime, she ultimately chose silence, fearing the video would be leaked and bring dishonor to her family. This scenario is not unique; many women face similar situations where harassment goes unpunished, and the system fails to protect them.
Dr. Aamna (name changed) recounted her experience of being harassed by a senior doctor, only to have her complaints dismissed by hospital administration. “They told me, ‘We’ve been unable to deal with this person in seven years. No one will believe you,’” she recalled. Such dismissals are common, and even when evidence exists, perpetrators often face minimal consequences, merely being transferred to another ward.
The lack of accountability within the healthcare system is a significant barrier to justice. Committees tasked with addressing complaints often include individuals complicit in the harassment, discouraging victims from coming forward. The fear of further victimization looms large, creating an environment where silence is often the only option.
Rural Healthcare Workers: A Greater Struggle
The challenges faced by female healthcare workers are not confined to urban centers. In rural hospitals, the situation is even more dire. Dr. Aamna shared her experiences working in remote areas where security is lacking, leaving female doctors and nurses vulnerable to abusive encounters with intoxicated patients or outsiders.
A 2022 report by the US National Institutes of Health revealed that up to 95% of nurses in Pakistan had faced workplace violence at least once during their careers. Alarmingly, the Pakistan Journal of Medicine and Dentistry found that 27% of nurses in public hospitals in Lahore had experienced sexual violence, with even higher rates reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Dr. Summaya Tariq Syed, chief police surgeon in Karachi and head of Pakistan’s first rape crisis center, has witnessed firsthand the systemic failures in addressing violence against female healthcare workers. She recalled a particularly disturbing case from 2010, where a nurse was raped by three doctors at a government hospital. The nurse, devastated by the incident, chose not to pursue the case, fearing societal backlash.
Inadequate Security and Structural Failures
Many hospitals in Pakistan suffer from inadequate security measures. The absence of security personnel and non-functional CCTV cameras leave female healthcare workers vulnerable to verbal and physical assaults. Nurse Elizabeth Thomas (name changed) expressed her fear of aggressive patients, stating, “We’re terrified and helpless.”
Religious minorities within the healthcare workforce face additional vulnerabilities. Elizabeth, a Christian nurse, explained how threats of blasphemy accusations are used to coerce women into compliance. In a country where blasphemy can lead to severe punishment, including the death penalty, such threats are particularly dangerous.
Moreover, the grueling working conditions exacerbate the challenges faced by female healthcare workers. Long shifts without adequate rest facilities or basic amenities are common. One doctor recounted working 30-hour shifts without access to toilets, even during menstruation, highlighting the dire need for improved working conditions.
The Impact of Fear and Anxiety
The tragic death of the trainee doctor in India has heightened anxiety among female healthcare workers in Pakistan. Many have adjusted their routines to avoid dark or isolated areas, while others grapple with the constant uncertainty that accompanies their profession. The risks they face weigh heavily on their minds, creating an environment that often feels unsafe and unpredictable.
As the crisis of harassment and violence against female healthcare workers in Pakistan continues to unfold, it is crucial for society to acknowledge and address these issues. The stories of these brave women must be heard, and systemic changes are needed to create a safer and more supportive environment for all healthcare professionals. Only then can we hope to foster a culture of respect and dignity within the healthcare system.
First Published: Sep 26, 2024 | 11:59 AM IST