Healthcare should not be divided by gender

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Mehin Hajiyeva, a 19-years-old medical student from Baku, Azerbaijan. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Do you think medical science is objective and unbiased? Why have the majority of medical research studies been conducted on men? Many female patients are told that their problems and pain are related to emotional or psychological factors. However, when a man presents with the same symptoms, his condition is more thoroughly investigated. Such approaches reduce the quality of medical services and perpetuate gender inequality.

Gender equality is one of the fundamental principles of human rights. However, this principle has still not been fully realized in medicine. Gender bias in healthcare is evident across multiple areas, from medical research to patient care. This influences diagnostic approaches, treatment, and research methodologies, often varying based on a person’s gender.

Gender Bias in Medical Research and Healthcare

Historically, medical research has predominantly focused on male participants, leading to a significant oversight of clinical patterns in women, whose symptoms can be influenced by hormonal fluctuations. For instance, the symptoms of heart attack can present differently in women than in men, yet these variations are often underemphasized in medical practice. As a result, women frequently experience delayed or missed diagnoses for heart attacks.

Gender bias in healthcare is apparent both in patient relationships and throughout the treatment process. Female patients often report that their pain complaints are not taken seriously. It’s not a coincidence that the term “hysteria” in medicine was used to associate emotional reactions or stress with female patients. This outdated approach still persists in some cases, leading to the dismissal of women’s symptoms as less serious.

Gender Equality Policies in Europe

The European Union has recognized gender equality in healthcare as a key strategic priority. As part of the “Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025,” one of its primary goals is to reduce gender-based discrimination in healthcare and ensure equal access to medical services for both women and men. Furthermore, it requires balanced participation in EU-funded projects related to gender inclusion in medical research. Programs like Horizon Europe support targeted studies focused on addressing and eliminating gender bias in healthcare.

Gender bias also has economic implications. Late access to healthcare, incorrect diagnoses for women can reduce their contributions to the labor market. The EU emphasizes the importance of eliminating gender inequality in healthcare from both social and economic perspective.

Solutions

1. Clinical studies should equally involve all genders. Specific research should be conducted to explore how gender influences medical conditions. 
2. Medical faculties should provide training on the impact of gender bias and strategies to reduce it.
3. Equal treatment in patient relations and objective assessment of complaints are crucial. Awareness campaigns and policies should be established to ensure unbiased approaches in healthcare.

    The fight against gender bias in healthcare is the responsibility of not only those working in the medical field but also society as a whole. Unbiased medical research, healthcare policies that support gender equality, and improved patient care are essential to addressing this issue. Ensuring equal and fair healthcare impacts well-being of all humanity.

About the author

Mehin Hajiyeva is a 19-years-old medical student from Baku, Azerbaijan. She is studying at the Faculty of Medicine of Azerbaijan Medical University. She has been working as an active member in the SCOME committee. Since childhood, she has been proactive and eager to learn new skills. She quickly adapts to new environments and excels in problem-solving and time management. As a team leader, she is highly successful, demonstrating strong analytical thinking skills.Her favorite subject is pharmacology. In her free time, she enjoys expressing her thoughts through writing. Her goal is to become a skilled and knowledgeable doctor.