By Dr Mariam Iqbal

I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the humiliation faced by female patients in operation theatres of Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK).

Protecting the privacy as well as integrity of the patients is the foremost obligation of any healthcare system. Fortunately, we have been provided with a separate emergency and labour room in CHK with an all-female staff working there. There is also a separate elective OT for Gynae and Obstetrical cases. But unfortunately, the staff employed comprises of males. The patients are constantly afflicted with the embarrassment of uncovering themselves in front of males.

We can easily relieve the agony of our patients by employing female technicians in at least the operation theatres dealing with Gynae and Obs cases, which require extensive uncovering of private body parts. This would also open the doors of careers for the female gender and hence contribute towards national prosperity. We request the concerned authorities to take the required steps at the earliest and safeguard the modesty of our women.

Daily Times