In Pakistan, women employed in hospitals report a troubling prevalence of sexual harassment, violence, and verbal abuse, often perpetrated by male colleagues, patients, and their families.
In the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at an Indian hospital, over a dozen female medical professionals in Pakistan have expressed their concerns regarding personal safety in the workplace.
This situation represents a significant yet concealed crisis, with numerous individuals hesitant to step forward and report the offenses. Those who do often face skepticism, as they are frequently met with disbelief regarding their claims.
Many women interviewed by the BBC requested anonymity due to concerns about job security and the potential impact on their “honor and respect.”
A few months prior, a young physician approached Dr. Nusrat (a pseudonym) in a state of distress. A male doctor allegedly filmed a woman through a hole in the wall while she was using the toilet, reportedly using the footage to blackmail her.
“I proposed that she file a complaint with the FIA, the agency responsible for cyber crimes, but she declined.” Dr. Nusrat revealed that the individual expressed concerns about the potential for the footage to be leaked to her family or in-laws. She further noted that she is aware of at least three additional instances involving female doctors who have been secretly recorded.
Dr. Nusrat had a connection with a senior police official who intervened with the blackmailer, cautioning him about the potential consequences of his actions, including arrest. The police officer ensured the video was erased from the device.
“Regrettably, we were unable to pursue additional measures; however, we have secured the area to prevent any future incidents,” states Dr. Nusrat.
Several women recounted their experiences of sexual harassment, including Dr. Aamna (a pseudonym), who served as a resident medical officer in a government hospital five years ago. During her tenure, she became a target of harassment by a senior doctor, a figure of considerable authority.
“Upon noticing me holding a file, he would attempt to lean over, make inappropriate remarks, and reach out to touch me,” she recounts.
She submitted a complaint to the hospital administration yet reported experiencing a lack of concern in response. “I was informed that my presence had been brief, and I was questioned about the evidence I possessed regarding this harassment.” According to sources, the statement was made: ‘We have been unable to address this individual’s issues for seven years – no changes will occur, and no one will take your claims seriously.’
Dr. Aamna reports that she is aware of other women who have successfully documented instances of harassment. However, she notes that the outcomes are often unsatisfactory, as the harasser is simply reassigned to a different ward for a limited time before returning to their original position.
Upon completing her placement, which was a necessary step to qualify as a doctor, she promptly relocated.
Dr. Summaya Tariq Syed, the chief police surgeon in Karachi and head of Pakistan’s first rape crisis center, identifies a fundamental issue: a pervasive lack of trust and accountability.
She recounts her 25 years of service as a relentless struggle against violence and betrayal, expressing disappointment in the management of these issues.
She describes an incident from a few years back when, in a previous position, colleagues confined her to a room, pressuring her to alter her findings in a post-mortem examination report concerning a homicide victim.
“They warned her, ‘Sign it or you have no idea what we’ll do to you,’ yet she stood her ground and refused.” Due to the high-ranking status of one individual involved, it has been reported that no measures were implemented against them.
A female doctor working at a government hospital in Punjab highlights the challenges women face when it comes to reporting abuse.
“The committees within the hospital that are currently in place frequently consist of the same physicians who subject us to harassment, or their associates.” What motivates individuals to file a complaint, potentially complicating their lives further?
Official statistics regarding assaults on female health workers in Pakistan remain unavailable. A 2022 report from the US National Institutes of Health reveals a concerning situation. Research shows that as many as 95% of nurses in Pakistan have encountered workplace violence at least once during their professional journey. Incidents of assault and threats, alongside verbal and mental abuse, have been reported involving colleagues, patients, and hospital visitors.
A report published in the Pakistan Journal of Medicine and Dentistry aligns with findings from a 2016 study examining public sector hospitals in Lahore, indicating that 27% of nurses reported experiencing sexual violence. A study conducted in Pakistan’s north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province reveals alarming statistics: 69% of nurses and 52% of female doctors reported experiencing various forms of sexual harassment in their workplaces from fellow staff members.
Dr. Syed describes a troubling incident that occurred in Karachi in 2010: “A doctor at a government hospital enticed a nurse to his hostel, where he was not alone – two other doctors were present as well.” A nurse, after experiencing a traumatic assault, reportedly jumped from a rooftop, resulting in a coma that lasted approximately one week. “All events that transpired lacked consent.” However, she opted against moving forward with the case.
Dr. Syed asserts that society frequently blames victims, suggesting that had the nurse reported the incident, she would have faced the repercussions instead.
According to her, harassment and threats are not limited to patients alone; they also stem from their friends and families. She recounts an incident from last year when her team faced public aggression while managing bodies in the mortuary.
“Two individuals intervened to protect me from an assailant who attempted to strike me after I requested that he refrain from recording videos.”
A complaint has been filed with the police, and the individual is now awaiting the progression of the case through the court system. “We must persist in our efforts; silence will only empower those responsible.”
Several female doctors have reported concerns regarding security, particularly in state-run hospitals, where they claim that individuals can enter without any form of verification. At least three individuals reported that those who assaulted them were regular citizens who had gained access to the hospital while under the influence of alcohol. In Pakistan, the consumption of alcohol is predominantly prohibited.
Dr. Saadia, a pseudonym for the medical professional, reveals that numerous colleagues at a prominent government hospital in Karachi have faced persistent incidents of sexual harassment. “Frequently, individuals affected by drugs find their way into the hospital,” she states.
On one particular evening, a colleague encountered a troubling situation while heading to another ward, as a drunken man began to harass her. A separate incident occurred involving another doctor who was assaulted. A group of doctors successfully removed the man from the premises, yet notably, there were no security personnel present at the time.
Nurse Elizabeth Thomas, a pseudonym for the healthcare professional, reports that encounters with inebriated patients attempting to make unwanted physical contact are frequent occurrences in her line of work. “There is a palpable sense of fear among us as we grapple with the dilemma of whether to provide care for the man or prioritize our safety.” The sense of helplessness is palpable. There is a notable absence of security personnel available to assist us.
Dr. Saadia expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the identity of individuals within the facility, stating, “We don’t even know if the person sweeping the floor or roaming around the ward claiming to be staff is actually staff.”
Reflecting on her experiences at a government hospital in Punjab five years prior, Dr. Aamna remarked, “In remote areas, security is the least of our concerns; they lack even adequate lighting in the hallways.”
The Pakistan Economic Survey 2023 reveals that the nation has 1,284 government hospitals. Medical professionals have expressed concerns regarding the inadequacy of security measures.
Healthcare workers report that many facilities either lack adequate CCTV cameras or have an insufficient number. Furthermore, those cameras that are in place frequently fail to operate effectively. Reports indicate that thousands of patients and their families frequent these hospitals each day, while incidents involving assaults on medical personnel have become increasingly prevalent.
Dr. Saadia shares a harrowing experience in which she found herself in a precarious situation after a patient’s relative confronted her aggressively. The incident unfolded as she awaited crucial test results before proceeding with an injection.
“The man, towering in stature, began to raise his voice at me.” I found myself pressed against the door. “He issued a threat, stating, ‘Administer the injection now, or I will kill you.'”
Elizabeth Thomas highlights that a significant portion of Pakistan’s nursing workforce hails from minority non-Muslim communities, a factor that may expose them to additional vulnerabilities.
Numerous nurses report experiencing harassment, with threats of blasphemy accusations looming if they fail to comply. Attractive nurses frequently face pressure to change their religious beliefs.
“There is a constant uncertainty regarding our response, as failing to comply with their demands could lead to unfounded accusations of blasphemy.” Nurses have experienced this situation.
In addition to facing abuse, female doctors report experiencing extended, grueling shifts coupled with inadequate access to essential facilities.
“Throughout my house job, there were instances when, during a 30-hour shift, we found ourselves without a room to rest in.” “We would step outside and take a break in a colleague’s car for about 15 minutes,” Dr. Saadia recounts.
“During my time in the emergency ward, I encountered a lack of toilet facilities.” Workers faced significant challenges during their 14-hour shifts, including the inability to access restroom facilities. Access to toilet facilities remained a challenge, even during menstruation.
According to her, the toilets designated for hospital staff were located in separate blocks, so distant that they often needed more time to access them.
In the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor in India, female doctors in Pakistan are increasingly engaging in discussions focused on strategies to enhance their safety.
Dr. Saadia expressed that the experience has profoundly impacted her, leading her to alter her daily habits: “I no longer venture into dark or deserted areas.” Once opting for the stairs, I now find greater security in utilizing the lifts.
Elizabeth Thomas expressed that the situation has deeply unsettled her as well. “My seven-year-old daughter frequently expresses her desire to become a doctor.” However, I find myself questioning the safety of doctors in this country.
