Doctor Brides: A National Crisis in Pakistan

By Reeta Kumari, Girl Rising Student Ambassador, Pakistan

In Pakistan, the aspiration to become a doctor is frequently transformed from a cherished dream into a suppressed longing for women. Countless young girls invest tremendous effort, pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into the extremely tiring process of preparing for highly competitive medical entrance examinations. Tragically, for many, this arduous journey ends not in a fulfilling career in medicine but rather in immediate marriage proposals.

Within our patriarchal and male-dominated society, the ambitions of women are often belittled. Their intrinsic value continues to be assessed primarily on their ability to cater to familial obligations. As a result, their existence becomes largely dictated by the expectations of others, leaving scant space for personal aspirations. Many girls are urged to embark on the pursuit of medicine, not out of genuine familial encouragement for professional success, but because the designation “doctor” is perceived as a status symbol and a means to elevate their desirability within the marriage market. This phenomenon is not confined to select communities; rather, it pervades the entire nation. Heartbreakingly, after attaining their degrees, a significant number of these young women find themselves discouraged from practicing their chosen profession. Their dreams are marginalized, and their qualifications are downgraded to mere ornamental tokens. 

The statistical landscape reflects this disparity as Pakistan has approximately 144,092 male doctors, making up 53.1% of the total 271,560 registered medical practitioners in the country (Babar et al., 2023). However, while 70% of medical college students in Pakistan are women, only 65% of female medical graduates are employed in the field, with the remaining 35% either unemployed or out of the labor force, according to a report in Dawn News in 2023. This stark contrast highlights how societal barriers continue to limit women’s participation in the medical field, despite their dominance in education.

Conversely, the narrative for men is starkly different as fewer give up their ambitions simply due to marital commitments. This glaring disparity lays bare the gender-based hypocrisy embedded within our cultural fabric.

Many consider it unfair for women to get medical seats when they aren’t going to pursue medical careers and believe those seats are best reserved for more men, therefore widening the injustice. After years of relentless struggle and sacrifice, these women are assigned to homes, expected to serve their in-laws while burying their aspirations without any inquiry into the rationale behind this travesty.

In a country already grappling with a severe shortage of doctors, especially in rural and conservative areas, this predicament is dire. In numerous locales, cultural norms prohibit women from seeking care from male practitioners, underscoring the necessity for female doctors. When highly qualified female graduates are denied the opportunity to practice, the consequences are profound, diminishing healthcare accessibility for innumerable women and families.

Moreover, this issue bears significant economic ramifications. According to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, the investment for training each Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) doctor hovers around 2.5 million Pakistani Rupee. When a female graduate refrains from practicing, this considerable investment is squandered, resulting in repercussions that resonate beyond the individual to impact the healthcare system and the economy.

This pressing issue necessitates immediate action. If we persist in sidelining female doctors, we jeopardize not only individual potential but also the integrity of our national healthcare framework. Families must begin to perceive their daughters’ education as a source of empowerment rather than merely a strategy to secure a marriage proposal. Society must transition from glorifying “doctor brides” to actively championing working doctors.

The moment has arrived for a cultural transformation, policy reform, and grassroots dialogue. We must ensure that women who labor diligently to attain the status of doctors are allowed to serve, heal, and lead.