In keeping with the theme of International Women’s Day 2024, ‘Invest in Women; Accelerate Progress’, healthcare leader Pritika Singh sheds light on how healthcare institutions can strengthen their female workforce. She believes that with increasing awareness and advocacy for gender equality, coupled with efforts to address systemic barriers and promote diversity and inclusion, more opportunities will emerge for women to advance into leadership roles in healthcare.
Healthcare is said to be the backbone of a nation and women form a critical part of the healthcare system. Women play crucial role in rendering healthcare services at the grassroot level. They alsoform a large chunk of the nursing and support staff in the healthcare industry.
It is thus quite surprising to note that women are grossly under represented when it comes to leadership roles in the field of healthcare. According to a 2023 report by Dasra, women form only 18 percent of leadership roles in the Indian healthcare industry. There is no dearth of women pursuing medical degrees in India as well, yet the same numbers do not reflect in the healthcare workforce.
To get to the bottom of this discrepancy Women Entrepreneur India spoke to young healthcare leader Pritika Singh, CEO, Pragya Hospital. Pritika’s stint with the healthcare sector began right after she completed her schooling. She then went on to pursue Post Graduation in Global Business Management from Regents Business School, London.
After completing her studies, Pritika moved back to India and started work with her parents to grow and start more hospitals across India. A young entrepreneur, Pritika draws inspiration from her parents. She has already been instrumental in building 2 hospitals and is building 5 new hospitals across India and majorly focusing on Uttar Pradesh.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we spoke to the young trail blazer on women’s current state of representation in the healthcare sector. She also sheds lights on the challenges and opportunities the sector entails for women.
In your opinion what is the overall current state of women’s representation in the Indian healthcare sector?
The current state of women's representation in the Indian healthcare sector appears to be marked by significant gender disparities, particularly in leadership roles and pay equity. While women make up a substantial portion of the healthcare workforce, including medical doctors, nursing staff, and ASHAs, they are underrepresented in leadership positions, occupying only 18% of such roles. This underrepresentation is concerning given that women constitute a majority in certain healthcare roles, such as nursing.
Moreover, the fact that women in leadership positions earn 34% less than their male counterparts underscores deep-seated gender pay gaps within the sector. Despite their significant contributions and qualifications, women continue to face barriers to advancement and fair compensation.
Overall, while women play a crucial role in delivering healthcare services in India, there remains a clear need for greater efforts to promote gender equality in leadership positions and ensure equal pay for equal work within the healthcare sector. Addressing these issues is essential not only for promoting fairness and equity but also for leveraging the full potential of the healthcare workforce to improve health outcomes for all individuals in India.
A 2023 report by Dasra found that women form only 18 percent of leadership roles in the Indian healthcare industry. In your opinion what is keeping Indian women from rising to leadership positions in the healthcare sector?
The underrepresentation of Indian women in healthcare leadership roles stems from systemic gender bias, limited access to mentorship and networking, challenges in balancing work and caregiving responsibilities, the persistence of the glass ceiling phenomenon, implicit bias in recruitment and promotion, and unequal access to training and development opportunities. Addressing these barriers requires concerted efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, implement equitable policies, foster supportive work environments, provide mentorship and sponsorship programs, challenge gender stereotypes, and advocate for systemic change within the healthcare sector and society as a whole. By tackling these challenges head-on, organizations can create pathways for more women to ascend to leadership positions and contribute significantly to the advancement of the healthcare sector in India.
In your opinion what steps of strategies can healthcare institutions put in place to ensure that women are enabled to build long-lasting and fruitful careers in the healthcare industry?
Healthcare institutions can implement several strategies to enable women to build long-lasting and fruitful careers in the healthcare industry. Firstly, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture is crucial, which involves promoting gender diversity, offering flexible work arrangements, and providing support for work-life balance. Secondly, instituting mentorship and sponsorship programs tailored specifically for women can provide guidance, support, and opportunities for professional growth. Thirdly, addressing gender bias in recruitment, promotion, and compensation processes is essential to ensure equal opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, investing in leadership development and training programs targeted at women can enhance their skills and readiness for leadership roles. Lastly, advocating for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality within the organization and the broader healthcare sector can create an environment conducive to women's career progression and success. By implementing these strategies, healthcare institutions can empower women to thrive and contribute significantly to the healthcare industry.
From the perspective of being a young woman leader in the Indian healthcare sector, which leadership traits or qualities do you think have helped you build a successful career?
As a young woman leader in the Indian healthcare sector, several key leadership traits and qualities have been instrumental in building a successful career. Firstly, resilience and perseverance have allowed me to navigate challenges and setbacks effectively, maintaining focus on long-term goals despite obstacles. Secondly, empathy and compassion towards patients, colleagues, and team members have fostered strong relationships and effective communication, enabling collaboration and driving positive outcomes. Additionally, adaptability and a willingness to embrace change have allowed me to thrive in a dynamic and evolving industry, continuously learning and innovating to stay ahead. Furthermore, a commitment to lifelong learning and personal development has been crucial in honing my skills and expanding my knowledge base, facilitating professional growth and advancement. Overall, these leadership traits and qualities have not only contributed to my success but have also empowered me to make meaningful contributions to the healthcare sector and inspire others to do the same.
How do you foresee women’s representation evolving in the Indian healthcare industry going forward?
Going forward, I foresee a positive evolution in women's representation in the Indian healthcare industry. With increasing awareness and advocacy for gender equality, coupled with efforts to address systemic barriers and promote diversity and inclusion, more opportunities will emerge for women to advance into leadership roles. Additionally, as more women continue to enter and excel in various healthcare professions, their visibility and contributions will further highlight the importance of gender diversity in leadership. Moreover, ongoing initiatives focused on mentorship, training, and support networks for women in healthcare will continue to empower them to pursue and succeed in leadership positions. Overall, I am optimistic that women's representation in the Indian healthcare industry will continue to grow, leading to greater gender balance and driving positive change across the sector.
What message or wish would you like to give out to our readers on the occasion of International Women’s Day?
On the occasion of International Women's Day, I would like to extend a message of empowerment and solidarity to all readers. Let us celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women around the world, recognizing their resilience, strength, and leadership in every aspect of life. May we continue to strive for gender equality, supporting one another in breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Together, let us uplift and amplify the voices of women, honoring their diverse experiences and inspiring future generations to dream big and pursue their aspirations without limitations. Happy International Women's Day!
