<p>From the moment we take our first breath, a woman is there to care for us—our mothers, our first healers, and our first source of comfort. They soothe fevers, bandage scraped knees, and stay awake through countless sleepless nights. Their nurturing hands shape our earliest understanding of care and compassion. As we grow, it is often women—whether as doctors, nurses, midwives, or health workers—who continue to provide healing, comfort, and life-saving care to millions.</p><p>Women are the backbone of Pakistan's healthcare system, comprising nearly 60-65% of the workforce. Despite facing societal pressures, long hours, safety concerns, and limited opportunities, they persist in delivering life-saving healthcare, proving that their contributions are invaluable to the nation's health.</p><p>Take for example the Lady Health Worker (LHW) programme, launched in 1994, which remains one of the most impactful initiatives in improving maternal and child healthcare. With nearly 60% of Pakistan's rural population relying on them for essential services such as vaccinations, prenatal care, and health education, LHWs have provided care to improve infant and maternal health outcomes in some of the country's most vulnerable areas. These women are the unsung heroes who deliver care where it is most needed, often with limited resources.</p><p>We have several examples of inspiring Pakistani women leading in academic centres. For example, Dr. Zahra Hoodbhoy, a researcher at the Aga Khan University was recently named a Goalkeeper Champion for Nutrition by the Gates Foundation for her work in addressing malnutrition through Artificial intelligence-driven maternal care and micronutrient supplementation. Her role highlights how women in healthcare are pushing boundaries to combat critical health issues and improve the lives of vulnerable populations, especially mothers and children.</p><p>Several female physicians from Pakistan are recognized globally for their expertise and dedication. Dr. Fyezah Jehan, for instance, was awarded the Distinguished International Fellowship by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene for her pioneering and globally transformational research on maternal and child nutrition. Similarly, Dr. Nuzhat Faruqui, Pakistan's first female urologist and recipient of the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, has broken barriers for women in male-dominated surgical specialties. These examples not only illustrate the growing presence of women in healthcare leadership but also emphasize the importance of female leaders in shaping the future of medicine and medical practice.</p><p>Yet, despite these extraordinary achievements, the barriers women face in healthcare remain significant. While female students make up approximately 70-80% of enrolments at medical colleges, only about 50% of them ultimately enter the health workforce. The “doctor bride" phenomenon, where women study medicine but do not practice due to societal pressures, continues to drain the system of highly skilled professionals. This loss is felt most acutely in rural areas, where the shortage of female doctors contributes to a gender sensitive healthcare access issue. We find that it is still women who have risen to address this challenge; Dr. Sara Saeed founded a telemedicine platform to connect female doctors with patients in remote areas. Her platform has impacted over 7.2 million lives, tackling both the shortage of healthcare professionals and the barriers posed by societal norms, while empowering female doctors to continue their practice.</p><p>We cannot forget Dr. Ruth Pfau, also known as "Pakistan's Mother Teresa," who dedicated over 50 years to eradicating leprosy in Pakistan, establishing 157 clinics and treating over 56,780 patients. Her incredible work and humanitarian spirit have been recognised with the Hilal-e-Pakistan, Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Nishan-i-Quaid-i-Azam, and Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam awards, further exemplifying the tireless work women have contributed to the nation's healthcare system.</p><p>Although these trailblazing women have made profound impact, many still face significant challenges. Societal norms, safety concerns, and workplace challenges such as gender bias and harassment often discourage many women from pursuing long-term careers in medicine. Female healthcare workers, especially those in rural or conflict-prone areas, are particularly vulnerable to these issues.</p><p>To empower these women, we must address the structural barriers they face. Enforcing strong anti-harassment policies, improving security for female health workers, and offering fair wages and leadership opportunities are crucial steps. Creating flexible work hours, mentorship programs, and re-entry options for women returning from career breaks would also help maintain their valuable contribution to healthcare. Additionally, providing financial incentives and accommodation for female doctors in underserved areas could encourage more women to serve where they are most needed. At the same time, we can all play our part by creating an environment at home that inspires and encourages our girls and women to contribute meaningfully to our society. </p><p>The healthcare system of Pakistan cannot thrive without the full participation of women. They are the healers, the leaders, and the change-makers who shape the future of healthcare. By recognising their contributions and addressing the challenges they face, we can create a more inclusive healthcare system. The resilience, expertise, and compassion of women in healthcare have already saved countless lives. Imagine the possibilities if they were fully supported.
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</p><p><strong><em>Author: </em></strong> <a href="/pakistan/patientservices/pages/profiles.aspx?ProfileID=315&Name=Zainab%20Samad&page=findadoctor">Dr. Zainab Samad<em> </em></a><em>, </em>Ibn-e-Sina Professor & Chair, Department of Medicine, AKUH</p><p><strong>Note: </strong>This article was originally published as an Op-ed in <a href="https://www.nation.com.pk/27-Mar-2025/how-women-are-shaping-and-strengthening-pakistan-s-healthcare-system">The Nation</a>.
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