Literature Festival at Habbit
KARACHI: Prof. Tasnim Ahsan an eminent endocrinologist and former Director of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center has recently published her Memoir (I hope to read it soon). Its title is “The Path I Made”. It was discussed at the Adab Festival which was part of Lahore Literature Festival held at Habbit on November 10th 2024. The session was moderated by Dr. Huma Baqai.
Prof. Tasnim Ahsan
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Sadiah Ahsan Pal sister of Prof. Tasnim Ahsan said that it is her emotional story which is in fact tale of many women. While discussing various incidents, she had kept the names secret for obvious reasons as it could have serious consequences. In fact, the real version is amazing. Prof. Tasnim Ahsan remarked that it is not important to give names as the objective is to convey the message. Some of the people mentioned in the book have died and I also wanted to avoid litigations. I have used abbreviations and in reality second letter is their name. What they did to me and to our institution and they all got away with that. I was the first women Director of JPMC who was attacked from all sides. Even they ordered physical verification of everything to see if I had taken away something. I learnt a lesson that early on that whatever you do record it and it helped me a lot. You all should remember this, she remarked. My mother and father supported me as our family was educated, hence they allowed me to work. The moderator said that this book will inspire many other professional women.
Dr. Sadiah said that I was interested in Art and not interested to become a doctor but my parents said that then you will have to ask for money from your husband all the time. During the discussion it was also highlighted that many girls become doctors but then give up medicine and do not practice due to various reasons. Prof. Tasnim Ahsan remarked that in-laws are interested to have doctor at daughter in law but then wish her to work as Massi, prepare food for them and look after other household works. I have no problem with that but then all members of the family should work together and take care of all these things. Prof. Tasnim Ahsan further stated that night duty for the lady doctors is a nightmare. They are not secure and parents are all the time worried about their security. JPMC was comparatively very secure institution but even then we had numerous unpleasant incidents which frightened the young lady doctors and we had to take extra precautionary measures for their security so that they could be saved from violence from patients and their attendants. I identified places where problems could be encountered and made JPMC a safe place for work for the lady doctors. It was also pointed out that studies have revealed that most often those involved in sexual harassment are close relatives as well. Outside harassment, physical, harassment at workplace is there. The lady doctor’s particular young girls are reluctant to report these cases as they fear losing little freedom which they enjoy.
Prof. Tasnim Ahsan also disclosed that she lost first two babies before my first daughter was born. We were supposed to be courageous and faced all this. I did suffer from postpartum depression and made sure that the family does not know this and remained normal. She had an advice for the young girls that after delivering a baby they should go to their mother’s house and spend few days there instead of going to their own house. It offers many advantages.
She also referred to the enquiries related to alleged medical negligence related to the death of an eminent politician Fauzia Wahab though I had nothing to do with that. I was called to see her after surgery when she had some complications. She was operated by a noted surgeon who was their family friend. Eighteen doctors, she stated, were called to give their explanation related to this particular case. After surgery when her condition deteriorated, she was put on ventilator and died due to ventilator related infection and complications. That is why many doctors do not want to work in hospitals. If the patient dies, the healthcare professionals have to face the wrath of patient’s attendants. During the last few years the number incidents of violence against doctors and healthcare facilities has increased. People have increased expectations while healthcare professionals work under very difficult circumstances. If drugs are not available, investigations take time or bed is not available, it is not their fault. The authorities need to provide all this. No doctor will like to harm the patient intentionally. Complications does happen.
Prof. Tasnim Ahsan further stated that I did not write many things as I did not want to bring women physicians, young lady doctors under pressure as the parents might use it and would not allow them to work. When male and female doctors work together, something is likely to happen but we have to be careful and take preventive, protective measures working within ethical boundaries. Our hospital environment is not conducive for girls to work. There is lack of security and at times those responsible for providing security, create security problems.
It was a very enlightening discussion where many problems faced by the women physicians in particular were discussed. There is no denying the fact that women physicians face lot of physical, sexual harassment at work place, the security arrangements are not at all satisfactory, they face hindrances in professional development in their career, are ignored during selection to coveted posts and we need to do a lot ensuring women empowerment. However, none of the speakers discussed the important issue that the girls should also be educated by their parents to adjust in the new family after getting married. It takes couple of months for them to know the culture, norms in their new house. If they respect their in-laws, look after their needs as well, don’t use them as baby sitters, the situation can be much better. While living in a joint family system, there are innumerable advantages but at the same time one has to lose a little independence as well which is worth. They need to balance their family and professional life which of course is not easy for everyone. SAJ
