Shattering Ceilings: A Journey Through the History of Women in Indian Healthcare

Women's Day is coming up, and the Anastomos team is here to celebrate the day with a special collection of articles about women in medicine then and now. 

Come to think of it, setting the stage for women in medicine meant overcoming career roadblocks and toeing women-exclusive social boundaries. From pioneers to modern figures, women have defied prejudices throughout history. Gender equality advocacy, mentorship, and the recognition of women's accomplishments over time have helped create a more inclusive healthcare landscape today.

One of our writers, who also happens to be a practicing healthcare professional, recently got her hands on Kavitha Rao's Lady Doctors: The Untold Stories of India’s First Women in Medicine. Perhaps, a perfect time to inspire us about the women in medicine and their everlasting footprints. 

Rao tells the story of six Indian women who pursued medical education despite overwhelming odds. These women faced the same obstacles as the women in healthcare in the West, in addition to a unique one: caste. 

Stay with us as we navigate the early women in healthcare, medicine, dentistry, and nursing, and their contributions in shaping the ‘praise for women” space that we are in today. 

Women in Medicine

Let’s begin in the beginning—of women in Indian healthcare.

• Rakhmabai

We start with someone whom most chronicles overlook. Rakhmabai, the rule breaker and a true trailblazer, shook the societal norms of 19th-century India. She was a strong opponent of child marriage and one of the first female physicians in British India.

Despite facing immense opposition, she fearlessly pursued her dream of becoming a doctor, becoming one of the first female physicians in colonial India. 

Her story resonates with courage and resilience, inspiring countless women to break barriers in medicine. Rakhmabai, married at 11, resisted societal norms, leading to a landmark court case on marital consent. Defended by Malabari and Ramabai, her case influenced the Age of Consent Act. She pursued medical education in England, supported by Edith Phipson.

Dr. Anandibai Joshi(1865–1887)

Anandibai Joshi defied societal norms by pursuing medical education in the USA, returning to India with a degree in 1886. Despite initial opposition, she was celebrated upon her return, appointed as "Physician in Charge" at Albert Edward Hospital, but tragically succumbed to tuberculosis at 22.

Joshi, a devoted wife and despite challenges, maintained Hindu Brahmin traditions, earning praise from conservative figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak. 

Dr. Kadambini Ganguly

Kadambini Ganguly, Kolkata-born, defied societal norms as India's first female physician, facing obstacles at Calcutta Medical College. A caregiver and mother of eight, she advocated for women's rights and became a pioneering figure in South Asian medical history.

Dr. Ganguly's groundbreaking success not only defied societal norms but also inspired countless women to pursue higher education and enter professions traditionally dominated by men. Throughout her medical career, she focused on addressing women's health issues, particularly maternal healthcare and infant mortality. Her enduring legacy underscores the importance of determination and resilience in dismantling gender barriers.

Dr. Jerusha Jhirad  (1891–1984)

Between 1928 and 1947, Dr Jerusha was the first Indian superintendent of Cama Hospital, where she conducted extensive studies on women's health. Notably, she performed a statistical investigation into maternal fatalities in Bombay. 

Dr. Jhirad's achievements were recognized by both the British and Indian governments, with titles such as "Member of the British Empire" and Padmashri. Her legacy includes the creation of the Jhirad Library and a famous oration in her honor. Furthermore, several maternity facilities were created in Bombay to benefit various populations, displaying Indian doctors' inclusivity and competence.

Dr. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (1889–1964)

In a letter to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur in 1936, Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the transformative potential of women's empowerment for societal betterment. Inspired by Gandhi's words, Kaur became India's first health minister after independence in 1947, representing the vision of fulfilling women's missions for the greater good. 

She is the mastermind behind major healthcare movements in the country, like tuberculosis associations, leprosy missions, and child welfare movements, had envisioned the establishment of AIIMS and so on.

Early Women Dentists of India

India wasn’t too far behind when it came to dentistry as well. 

Dr. Fatima Ali Jinnah

In 1923, Fatima Ali Jinnah earned her dental certification from Dr. R Ahmed Dental College in Calcutta, India. 

She practiced dentistry in Bombay until 1929, when she ceased clinical work to care for her brother, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, following his wife's passing. This notable achievement positions Jinnah as the inaugural Muslim woman dentist in Undivided India, preceding Tabitha Solomon by five years.

Dr Tabitha Solomon

Another woman in the dental profession was Dr. Tabitha Solomon, a fellow graduate from the same institution as Fatima Ali Jinnah, who completed her studies in 1928. 

She supported Dr. Rafiuddin Ahmed by assisting in the publication of the Indian Dental Journal. Originating from the Jewish community, this dentist established her practice at Chittarnjan Seva Sadan Hospital and provided services at Dufferin Hospital as well.

Dr. Vimla Sood

In 1944, she obtained her dental degree from DeMontmorency College of Dentistry in Lahore. Following this, she underwent an internship in New York before pursuing a master's degree in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Minnesota, which she completed in 1955. 

Upon returning to India, she became a part of Wellington Hospital in Delhi, presently recognized as Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

Women in Indian Nursing History

From legendary personalities like Florence Nightingale to trailblazers like Mary Poonen Lukose and Bai Kashibai Ganpat, these extraordinary women have had a lasting influence on the nursing profession in India.

Their stories highlight the life-changing capacity of compassion and dedication to promote healthcare and empower communities.

Florence Nightingale

It would be impossible to discuss nursing history without bringing up the legendary Florence Nightingale. Nightingale is also referred to as the "Lady with the Lamp,". She revolutionized nursing during the Crimean War by underscoring the role of hygienic practices, cleanliness, and compassionate care. Her ideas laid the groundwork for contemporary nursing practices in India and other countries.

Mary Poonen Lukose

One of the pioneers in Indian nursing history is Mary Poonen Lukose. Lukose, who was born in Kerala in 1912, was the country's first Indian woman to earn a nursing license.

She committed her life to improving women's and children's healthcare and was instrumental in the establishment of nursing education in the country. Numerous Indian women are now in the nursing profession, thanks to Lukose's trailblazing efforts.

Bai Kashibai Ganpat

The "Nightingale of India," Bai Kashibai Ganpat, was a prominent figure in Indian nursing history.

Ganpat, who was born in Maharashtra in the late 1800s, disregarded social conventions to become one of the country's first licensed nurses. She committed her life to helping the ill and underprivileged, especially during the pandemic of bubonic plague. A generation of Indian nurses was inspired by Ganpat's bravery and compassion, which also brought attention to the vital role that women play in the country's healthcare system.

Anastomos Acknowledges their Journey

The ANASTOMOS family boasts an impressive contingent of female founders, employees, and members. Our end-to-end online platform, which delivers tailored, 360-degree career coaching to healthcare professionals at every point of their journey, is uniquely built by healthcare professionals.

Comparable to our notable female heroes in this industry, we are breaking barriers and attempting to create a space for Indian healthcare as a career path.

Our skilled advisors and extensive network in the healthcare industry keep you informed of all job opportunities both nationally and globally. We, too, do not believe in ‘spoon-fed’ career coaching; rather, we empower you to achieve the correct healthcare profile in the long run.