Gender inequality in healthcare

The Gender Gap in Healthcare: Why 90% of Women Skip Consultations Due to a Lack of Female Doctors

Healthcare is a fundamental right, yet millions of women worldwide face barriers to accessing it. A recent study highlights a critical issue: 90% of women skip consultations due to the lack of female doctors. This alarming statistic sheds light on a gender disparity in healthcare that is not only a matter of convenience but also a reflection of deep-rooted cultural, societal, and systemic issues. This article delves into the reasons behind this trend, the countries most affected, and the broader implications for global healthcare.

Reasons Behind the Lack of Female Doctors

1. Cultural and Social Barriers

In conservative societies, women are often discouraged from pursuing higher education, especially in fields like medicine, which require years of study and training. Early marriages and societal expectations to prioritize family over careers limit women's opportunities.

2. Systemic Challenges

Gender bias in medical schools and workplaces discourages women from entering or continuing in the profession. A lack of policies supporting work-life balance for female doctors, such as maternity leave or flexible hours, contributes to high dropout rates.

3. Economic Constraints

In many low-income countries, families prioritize investing in the education of male children, leaving women with fewer opportunities to pursue professional careers.

Countries Facing the Highest Impact of Women Skipping Medical Consultations

1. Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, recent developments have severely restricted women's access to medical education and healthcare services. The European Union condemned the Taliban's reported decision to halt medical education for women and girls, labeling it a severe violation of human rights. This move exacerbates the existing shortage of female healthcare professionals, making it increasingly difficult for Afghan women to seek medical care comfortably.

2. Pakistan

Pakistan faces a paradoxical situation where, despite a pressing need for medical practitioners, a significant number of female doctors remain unemployed. A study revealed that 35% of female medical graduates are not part of the workforce. This phenomenon, often referred to as "doctor brides," highlights societal expectations where women pursue medical degrees to enhance marriage prospects rather than to practice professionally. This underutilization of trained professionals contributes to the shortage of female doctors available for women seeking gender-concordant care.

3. India

India grapples with a significant underrepresentation of female doctors, especially in rural areas. Only 17% of all allopathic doctors are women, and in rural regions, this figure drops to a mere 6%. This disparity means that many women, particularly in conservative areas, may avoid seeking medical attention due to the unavailability of female practitioners, leading to untreated health issues and a reliance on unqualified practitioners.

4. United Kingdom

While the UK has a more balanced gender representation among medical professionals, issues persist regarding the quality of care women receive. Reports have highlighted instances of "medical misogyny," where women's health concerns are dismissed or misdiagnosed. For example, women with heart disease are more likely to receive incorrect diagnoses, and conditions like endometriosis often face significant delays in diagnosis and treatment. These systemic issues can deter women from seeking medical consultations, fearing their concerns won't be taken seriously.

Underlying Reasons

1. Cultural and Societal Norms: In many countries, cultural and religious beliefs dictate that women should only be examined by female doctors. The absence of female practitioners thus directly impacts women's willingness to seek medical care.

2. Educational Barriers: In regions like Afghanistan, policies restricting women's access to medical education prevent the development of a robust female healthcare workforce.

3. Employment Challenges: Societal expectations, such as those observed in Pakistan, lead to a significant number of trained female doctors not entering the workforce, resulting in a shortage of female healthcare providers.

Implications

The lack of female doctors in these countries has profound implications:

• Delayed or Avoided Medical Consultations: Women may postpone or entirely avoid seeking medical help, leading to the progression of untreated diseases.

• Reliance on Unqualified Practitioners: In the absence of accessible female doctors, women might turn to unqualified or traditional practitioners, potentially receiving substandard care.

• Increased Health Risks: Conditions that require early detection and treatment may go unnoticed, increasing morbidity and mortality rates among women.

Why Are Women Uncomfortable with Male Doctors?

1. Cultural and Religious Norms

• In many societies, especially in conservative regions, gender segregation is deeply ingrained. Women are expected to avoid interactions with men outside their family.

• Religious beliefs often dictate that a woman should only be examined by another woman, especially in intimate medical contexts.

2. Fear of Judgment and Stigma

• Many women fear being judged by male doctors, especially when discussing issues related to reproductive health or intimate conditions.

• There is also a concern about potential insensitivity or lack of understanding from male doctors regarding women-specific health issues.

3. Personal Comfort

• Women often feel more comfortable and understood by female doctors, who can empathize with their experiences and provide a sense of safety.

Is There Still a Gender Issue in Healthcare?

The data and reasons outlined above strongly suggest that gender inequality remains a significant issue in healthcare:

• Underrepresentation of Women: In many countries, female doctors make up less than 30% of the medical workforce.

• Gender Pay Gap: Female doctors often earn less than their male counterparts, discouraging women from entering or continuing in the profession.

• Limited Leadership Roles: Women are underrepresented in leadership positions within healthcare, which impacts policy and decision-making.

The Way Forward

1. Encouraging Women in Medicine

• Governments and institutions must provide scholarships and incentives to encourage women to pursue medical education.

• Policies supporting work-life balance, such as flexible hours and childcare facilities, can help retain female doctors.

2. Awareness Campaigns

• Public campaigns can address cultural taboos and highlight the importance of gender equality in healthcare.

3. Improving Access in Rural Areas

• Governments should focus on training and deploying female healthcare workers in rural and underserved areas.

4. Addressing Systemic Bias

• Medical institutions must adopt gender-sensitive policies and actively combat biases against female students and professionals.

Conclusion

The lack of female doctors is not just a women's issue—it is a societal problem that affects everyone. Women avoiding medical consultations due to the absence of female doctors leads to untreated health conditions, increased mortality rates, and a burden on families and communities. Bridging this gender gap in healthcare requires collective effort from governments, institutions, and society at large. Only by addressing the root causes of this disparity can we ensure that healthcare truly becomes a universal right.