HYDERABAD: The ‘Women in Medicine’ conclave organized by AIG Hospitals here on Saturday provided a platform to discuss gender disparity and the challenges faced by women in the healthcare industry.
The day-long event had five sessions covering topics like ‘leadership and mentorship’, ‘work-life balance’, ‘non-orthodox medical specialties for women’, ‘social entrepreneurship’ and ‘diversity and inclusion’. Over 400 women medical professionals participated in the deliberations.
In his keynote address, MA&UD minister K.T. Rama Rao underlined the significant contribution of women to the field of medicine by citing the examples of Dr Anandibai Joshi and Dr V. Shanta.
Rama Rao said, “Today, women in healthcare and life sciences are leading not only segments like patient care but also research and development. Women can play an important role in the technological evolution in healthcare as well as in AI, big data and data digitization. There is also an urgency to improve gender parity in the workforce to allow women physicians enjoy full and equal participation and opportunities”.
Dr D. Nageshwar Reddy, chairman, AIG Hospitals, said, “The idea behind this first-of-its-kind initiative in India is to celebrate women who are contributing immensely to the medical sector in general, and then discuss and find solutions on how we can increase their participation in super specialties like gastroenterology, interventional cardiology and thoracic surgery, among others.”
In a panel discussion on ‘work-life balance and physical and mental well-being’, Dr Sumana K. Ramachandra, a senior consultant at AIG Hospitals, said that it was important to focus on the social, psychological and mental issues of women medical professionals and rid society of stereotypical biases leading to gender inequality.
Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal urged young women doctors to be emphatic and aspire to be the best. This aspiration to excel in the field will eventually benefit the society, Nehwal said.
