Issues and Challenges Faced by Women Doctors in SCB Medical College: A Sociological Analysis

Abstract

This study endeavors to explore the issues and challenges faced by working women in general and women doctors in particular in the context of Odisha. In the contemporary world, women are no longer lagging in their careers; they stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. Working women refer to those in paid employment, such as lawyers, nurses, teachers and doctors and so on. This study is based on both primary and secondary data from 50 working women doctors aged 21 to 60 at Sriram Chandra Bhanja Medical College & Hospital in Cuttack which is the oldest and largest government funded hospital in Odisha. While doctors are often regarded as essential profession in the society and contribute to the health and wellbeing of the masses, many of them do not feel safe in their workplace particularly women. They face several challenges, including mental and sexual harassment, insufficient leave, inadequate physical infrastructural facilities, inadequate security during night shifts, limited restroom access, and heavy workloads that often do not correspond to their salaries. To address these issues, it is essential to implement high-security measures in healthcare settings, particularly for night-duty personnel. Improving restroom facilities is crucial to ensure a comfortable work environment.