İpek Baz, Chair of the Women’s Branch of the HÜDA PAR Diyarbakır Provincial Directorate, has drawn attention to a growing crisis in women’s healthcare access in Türkiye’s southeastern region.

Baz stated that a dire shortage of female obstetricians and female medical staff in maternity wards is violating not only the basic health rights of women, but also deeply held principles of privacy and modesty.

Citing numerous complaints and experiences from women across the city and nearby districts, Baz warned that the current healthcare model is failing women, especially in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology, and called for urgent reforms to rectify a situation that is leading to both psychological trauma and medical negligence.

A Hidden Crisis: Modesty vs. Medical Access

Baz explained that many women in Diyarbakır, particularly those from conservative and rural backgrounds, feel deep discomfort and hesitation when compelled to be examined by male gynecologists—an experience they often describe as humiliating, inappropriate, or even traumatic.

“It is already difficult for many women to talk about intimate health problems. When there is no female doctor available, they are forced to explain these private issues to male physicians, which creates a profound psychological burden,” Baz said.

She further emphasized that the cultural norms and values of many women in the region demand the presence of female doctors, especially in matters as sensitive as childbirth, reproductive health, and gynecological examinations.

“Women should not be put in the painful position of having to choose between their health and their sense of honor or privacy,” she added.

Women Avoiding Hospitals: A Silent Health Catastrophe

Baz warned that this mismatch between the healthcare system and women’s cultural needs is pushing many women to avoid hospitals altogether, even in cases of serious illness, pregnancy complications, or postpartum emergencies.

“This is not just a matter of discomfort—it’s a public health disaster waiting to happen. When women do not feel safe or respected in healthcare settings, they delay or abandon treatment, which leads to worsened illness, preventable complications, and even loss of life,” Baz stressed.

In some extreme cases, she noted, women have chosen to give birth at home to avoid being treated by male staff—sometimes with tragic consequences for both mother and child.

Districts Without Female Doctors: Deep Inequality in Healthcare Access

Baz drew attention to the regional disparities in access to female medical professionals. Districts such as Çınar, Çermik, Silvan, and many others either have no female obstetricians or lack adequate maternity departments altogether.

“Women living in these districts are doubly marginalized—first by geography, and second by gender. They are left with no choice but to be examined by male doctors, even when they are extremely uncomfortable with this,” she stated.

The lack of women-friendly healthcare services in the periphery, according to Baz, results in healthcare injustice and systemic discrimination that goes unaddressed.

The Appointment System: Delays, Disruptions, and Despair

Baz also criticized the centralized hospital appointment system, which has become another barrier to women’s healthcare.

“The system is dysfunctional. Appointments are often unavailable or assigned 15 days later. Sometimes they are canceled without notice or deemed invalid if the doctor doesn’t approve them in time. This is unacceptable, especially in urgent cases,” she said.

She noted that even when women are lucky enough to get an appointment, the shortage of female doctors makes it nearly impossible to choose one, which compounds the stress and delays.

Female Doctors Only for the Rich? Class Disparities in Medical Privacy

Baz lamented the growing healthcare divide between rich and poor, saying that only those who can afford private hospitals can access the comfort of a female doctor, while low-income women are forced to compromise their dignity or forego care.

“This creates a class-based violation of privacy and health rights. Dignity should not be a luxury reserved for the wealthy,” she emphasized.

She stressed that women from rural and conservative backgrounds are often the most vulnerable—both economically and culturally—and that their needs must be prioritized by state health institutions.

Trauma in Delivery Rooms: Female Staff Must Be Mandatory

Baz said the presence of male staff in delivery rooms continues to be a source of serious emotional and psychological trauma for many expectant mothers.

“Childbirth is already a painful and vulnerable experience. The presence of male personnel in these intimate moments makes many women feel ashamed, anxious, and unsafe. Some women have even gone into labor under extreme stress, which can harm both mother and baby,” she noted.

She reiterated that the mandatory employment of female staff at every stage of the obstetric process—especially in delivery rooms—is not just a cultural necessity, but a human right.

Long-Term Demands: Structural and Policy Reforms Needed

Baz outlined a series of urgent and long-term policy changes she deems essential to addressing the systemic shortcomings in women’s healthcare. She called for the immediate appointment of female gynecologists to underserved districts and the construction of new maternity hospitals in regions with high birth rates.

To ensure a sustainable solution, she emphasized the need to establish dedicated obstetrics faculties aimed at increasing the number of female specialists. Baz also advocated for a legal mandate requiring the presence of female staff at all stages of obstetrics and gynecology services, ensuring that women are not forced to compromise their privacy or values during treatment.

Furthermore, she urged a comprehensive restructuring of the centralized appointment system to allow women to choose doctors based on gender preference. Lastly, she stressed the importance of regular and strict hygiene inspections across all maternity hospitals to protect the health and dignity of patients.

“This is not just about medical policy. It is about respecting the religious, cultural, and emotional needs of half the population. We call on the Ministry of Health to take these demands seriously and act urgently,” she said.

Women's Health Must Not Be Sacrificed to Systemic Neglect

In her closing remarks, İpek Baz reaffirmed HÜDA PAR Women’s Branch’s commitment to advocating for dignified, private, and culturally sensitive healthcare for all women.

“Every woman has the right to access healthcare without compromising her values, modesty, or emotional well-being. It is the state’s duty to ensure that this right is protected—not ignored,” she concluded.

Baz’s statements have sparked a renewed debate in Diyarbakır and beyond, highlighting once again the urgent need for a healthcare system that aligns with the values and needs of the communities it serves. (ILKHA)