Women Suffering in Silence Due to Shortage of Female Gastroenterologists in Pakistan, Experts Warn
Experts at GI and Liver Conference in Karachi urge urgent reforms as women delay treatment due to lack of female specialists and rising disease burden.
At the PGLDS conference, experts warned that Pakistan’s shortage of female gastroenterologists is delaying diagnosis in women and risking lives.
KARACHI: A serious shortage of female gastroenterologists in Pakistan is putting thousands of women at risk. Medical experts at the 7th Annual Conference of the Pakistan GI and Liver Disease Society (PGLDS) revealed that many women suffering from gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases are avoiding medical help due to cultural and social barriers — leading to late diagnoses and life-threatening complications.
Held at Liaquat National Hospital’s Convention Centre in Karachi, the conference gathered top national and international specialists who raised the alarm about the growing crisis in women’s health, especially in underserved and conservative communities.
Why Women Delay Treatment
Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, President of the Medical Women Association of Pakistan, said,
“Many women, especially in rural and conservative areas, are not comfortable being examined by male doctors. As a result, they delay seeking help until it’s too late.”
She also pointed out a disturbing trend: more than half of Pakistan’s female medical graduates do not join the workforce, and those who do often face unsafe work environments, gender discrimination, and lack of support.
A Surge in Liver Disease and GI Cancers
According to Dr. Lubna Kamani, President of PGLDS, Pakistan is facing a health tsunami.
“Fatty liver, hepatitis B and C, and colorectal cancers are increasing rapidly. Most patients are unaware of their illness until the disease reaches a dangerous stage.”
She stressed that although treatment is available for hepatitis in Pakistan, lack of awareness and absence of routine screening programs mean most people go undiagnosed.
Dr. Kamani warned that without national screening and early detection programs, the healthcare system will not be able to handle the growing number of non-communicable diseases.
Obesity: The Root of the Problem
Dr. Sajjad Jamil, Secretary General of PGLDS, said,
“Obesity is the mother of all illnesses. Our children are growing up on sugary drinks, junk food, and screen time — with little or no physical activity. We’re creating a sick future generation.”
He called for urgent action:
- Launch a national colorectal cancer screening program
- Start school-based awareness campaigns
- Promote healthy eating and active lifestyles
He warned that with the majority of the population earning less than Rs. 600 a day, Pakistan simply cannot afford to treat millions suffering from lifestyle-related diseases.
Young Women at Higher Risk
Dr. Nazish Butt, a senior member of PGLDS, emphasized that more young women are now being diagnosed with serious liver and gut issues.
“Poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and hormonal changes are making women more vulnerable. But because of social stigma and lack of female doctors, they stay quiet — until the disease becomes critical.”
She called for gender-sensitive healthcare, more awareness campaigns for women, and incentives to encourage more female specialists to enter gastroenterology.
Lessons From Abroad
Prof. Eun Young Kim, a leading GI specialist from South Korea, explained how her country is successfully managing liver and digestive diseases.
“Regular screenings, national health insurance, and public awareness programs have helped us reduce GI-related deaths. Pakistan must invest in prevention — not just treatment.”
Training for the Future
Dr. Shahid Ahmed, Patron of PGLDS, said the conference aims to update local doctors with global medical knowledge.
“Experts from South Korea, Turkey, and South Africa are here to train and guide our young professionals on the best international practices.”
The Way Forward
The second day of the conference featured sessions on:
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Fatty liver therapies
- Endoscopy and new technology
- Gut microbiome research
The event ended with a strong message: Women’s health must become a national priority. Pakistan urgently needs more female specialists, better awareness, and a public health strategy that listens to women — before it’s too late.
