Santy Sajan, Group Chief Operating Officer, Paras Health in an interaction with Kalyani Sharma talks about the need for women’s leadership in shaping the future of healthcare
Why there is a need for gender diversity?
Fostering gender diversity isn’t just about meeting quotas; it’s about creating an inclusive and productive working environment. Excellence in healthcare transcends gender boundaries and identifies the unique skills and talents everyone brings to the organisation. We should focus on the quality of an individual’s abilities rather than gender alone and ensure that the team is composed of the best talent available.
Gender diversity allows us to tap into a wider pool of perspectives, ideas, and experiences, ultimately leading to better decision-making, enhanced creativity, and improved patient care. Therefore, the focus should be on the hiring quality of any individual rather than gender specificity.
Why there is a need for women’s leadership in shaping the future of healthcare?
The healthcare workforce is predominantly comprised of women, yet women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. Women leaders bring a valuable perspective to the table. Their strengths in soft skills and emotional intelligence are crucial in a healthcare sector where compassion, empathy, and effective communication are most essential. As healthcare rapidly evolves with technological advancements, women leaders understand how to navigate this transformation while keeping patient-centred care at the forefront. Moreover, having more women in leadership roles serves as an inspiration for future generations, ensuring a continuous influx of talented women leaders who can drive innovation and excellence in healthcare.
What significant role do women leaders play in driving advancements and innovation within the healthcare industry?
Women leaders in healthcare have a unique perspective as they are often the primary decision-makers and caregivers in their families. This perspective translates into innovative approaches to healthcare delivery and patient experience. In an era of rapid technological advancements, women leaders excel in areas critical to the healthcare industry, such as telemedicine, digital health, and patient engagement. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute to a more comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare innovation, ultimately benefiting patients and organisations alike.
The indispensability of diversity and inclusion in the healthcare sector, going beyond mere numerical representation – please share your views on the same.
The stark reality in the healthcare sector is that the majority of the workforce is comprised of women, yet there is a glaring underrepresentation of women in leadership roles compared to other industries. True diversity and inclusion go beyond just achieving numerical parity. It’s about creating an environment where every individual, regardless of gender, feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. This inclusive culture fosters innovation, enhances patient care, and strengthens our organisation. To truly bridge the gender gap, we must actively address unconscious bias, provide mentorship opportunities, and promote networking and career development for women in healthcare.
Why women leaders are scarce in the healthcare field? What could be the potential solutions to address this disparity?
The scarcity of women leaders in healthcare can be attributed to various factors, including a lack of mentors and mentorship opportunities, limited networking opportunities, challenges in balancing work and home life, and persistent gender bias. To address this disparity, we must implement proactive measures. Mentorship programs should be established to connect aspiring female leaders with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support. Creating a culture of networking and professional development, both within and outside the organization, can help women build the connections necessary for career advancement. Additionally, addressing gender bias through awareness campaigns, training, and policy changes is crucial to creating a level playing field for women in healthcare leadership roles.
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