Pune: A considerable increase in the number of girl students has been noticed in the field of medicine. It has increased by 45 per cent in medical colleges across Maharashtra.
In Pune-based government medical colleges girls have been cornering around 60 per cent of the seats since 2013. In an average, around 120 out of 200 medical seats are taken by girls in government medical colleges. According to statistics, girls are not only filling the 33 per cent of the reserved seats, but are also taking the merit seats.
“The number of girls taking up science faculty in HSC has increased and which is why the number of girls competing for medical seats has also gone up. Girls are genetically more sincere and sensible than boys which eventually reflects on their academic performance benefiting them to gain a seat in medical stream,” said Pravin Shingare, Director, Department of Medical Education and Research.
"Also, opportunities and facilities in this field have grown over the years especially for girls. By securing a degree in medicine, one is not dependent on anybody to provide service but can start his/ her own clinic. In rural areas, most of the women prefer having a female doctor consultant over a male, giving a large scope for women to practise there,” said Shingare.
Changing times
The scenario of women entering the medical profession has largely changed in the 21st century.
“When I was a student of medicine in 1994, there were few girl students in my class and now comparatively the admission of girl students have increased over the years. This is probably due to increasing awareness about higher education among girls. Also, they are more sincere and dedicated towards learning and education,” said Dr Somnath Salgar, Professor at BJ Medical College.
“Parents consider medicine as a safe, noble and dignified profession for their daughters. Earlier the perception of women working did not exist, unlike today when women are accepted in all fields. Medicine has always seen more women doctors, as teaching and medicine have been the common and most accepted professions for women. However, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) hosts only 25 female against 100 male students, as per the defence requirements,” said Dr (Grp Capt) Suchitra Mankar, Founder of Doorstep Health Services.
Excellent performance
Despite financial difficulties and coming from moderate background, girls have been performing excellently in this filed.
Nanda Katole, a second-year MBBS student at BJ Medical College who is the third girl child of her parents had to drop a year before entering into the studies due to financial crunch. “My father is a farmer, but he wished one of his four daughters would become a doctor. I had to drop a year after Std XII because I did not have money to pay for coaching classes and even after I got through medicine. I could not opt for education loan as well because my father had already taken loans for my elder sisters. My passion to become a doctor carries me to overpower these obstacles and pursue my education,” said Katole from Jalgaon.
Another second-year MBBS student at BJ Medical College, Ravina Sangale from Shrirampur taluka has always followed the doctor's personality aspiring to become one. “There is a different charm in doctors. Even as a kid I would always become a doctor in a fancy dress competition. My father is a contract-based labourer. I want to become a renowned doctor and serve the people. I also want to own a flat in the city where I can live with my parents,” said Sangale.
Large scope for women
"Opportunities and facilities in the field of medicine have grown over the years especially for girls. After securing a degree, one is not dependent on anybody to provide service but can start his/ her own clinic. In rural areas as well most of the women prefer having a female doctor consultant over a male giving a large scope for women to practise there," said Pravin Shingare, Director, Department of Medical Education and Research.
