Shortage of Women Gastroenterologists Impacts Female Health Worldwide

In Pakistan, on June 23rd, a critical lack of skilled and certified female gastroenterologists is leading to late diagnosis and subpar health results for women grappling with gastrointestinal and liver conditions. Many hesitate to see male physicians because of cultural and societal obstacles.

During the second day of the 7th Annual Conference of the Pakistan GI and Liver Disease Society (PGLDS), concerns were highlighted as experts cautioned that women in both rural and urban regions are quietly suffering from severe health problems which frequently go undiagnosed until they become untreatable.

They advocated for establishing a nationwide colorectal cancer screening initiative, particularly targeting women. This is because, owing to privacy concerns and the scarcity of female physicians, women often reach later stages where treatment is more challenging before seeking medical help.

At the conference held at the convention center of Liaquat National Hospital in Karachi, both domestic and foreign experts urged immediate improvements in public healthcare. They emphasized the necessity of implementing screening initiatives, promoting nutritional education, and making modifications in residential buildings and educational institutions to avoid an impending medical emergency.

Dr. Lubna Kamani, who serves as the President of PGLDS, reinforced the urgency for early diagnosis and modifications in daily habits.

"We are confronting an overwhelming surge of conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis C, and colorectal cancer. Now is the moment when individuals should start taking screenings very seriously. While medications for Hepatitis B and C are accessible in Pakistan, many remain unaware of their infection status. Therefore, we strongly encourage everybody to undergo testing and adhere to professional medical guidance," she stated.

She cautioned that without nationwide initiatives for early detection and prevention of chronic illnesses, the healthcare system could be overwhelmed by non-communicable diseases.

Dr. Nazish Butt, a prominent figure within PGLDS, highlighted the increasing strain of obesity and digestive problems among women. She pointed out that unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, and hormonal influences are contributing to higher risks of gastrointestinal and liver conditions in females.

"We are seeing more young women with advanced liver disease and GI cancers because they delay seeking help," she said, stressing the need for gender-sensitive healthcare and targeted awareness.

Dr. Sajjad Jamil, the Secretary General of PGLDS, pointed fingers at obesity, calling it the "root cause of all diseases," and criticized the declining quality of dietary habits in the nation.

From a young age, children begin consuming sweet beverages, processed meats, and unhealthy snacks. Schools lack physical activities, play areas, and have excessive screen time. This environment fosters illness," he cautioned, noting further that with most people earning under 500-600 rupees daily, Pakistan cannot bear the cost of treating large numbers of individuals.

He called for the swift establishment of a nationwide colorectal cancer screening initiative along with educational programs in schools focused on encouraging healthy diets and physical activity.

Global specialists underscored the significance of adopting proactive strategies. Professor Eun Young Kim from South Korea explained how her nation manages liver and gastrointestinal disorders via routine check-ups, comprehensive public healthcare coverage, and promoting awareness about dietary habits and physical activities.

"What we observe here is avoidable. Governments should focus on investing in health promotion rather than solely on treatment," she commented.

Dr. Shahid Ahmed, who serves as the Patron of PGLDS, stated that the primary objective of the conference was to provide local medical practitioners with the latest information and therapeutic strategies. He mentioned, “To achieve this, we have brought in specialists from countries such as South Korea, Turkey, South Africa, and others to share their insights and educate our younger physicians about global approaches to tackling these illnesses.”

President Dr. Wajiha Rizwan from the Medical Women Association of Pakistan highlighted an important issue regarding the scarcity of female gastroenterologists, leading to delayed diagnoses among women, particularly within more traditional societies.

" numerous females feel uneasy about undergoing examinations conducted by male physicians and endure their suffering quietly. Consequently, this often results in diagnoses at advanced stages of gastrointestinal disorders," she stated. Additionally, she pointed out that more than fifty percent of recently qualified female medical professionals choose not to pursue careers in medicine, and those who do encounter hazardous working conditions and bias.

The second day at the PGLDS conference proceeded with discussions focused on colorectal cancer screenings, treatments for fatty liver disease, advancements in endoscopy techniques, and studies related to the gut microbiome.