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India's first female doctor was Anandi Gopal Joshi, completed degree at 19, she was from....
India's first female doctor was Anandi Gopal Joshi, completed degree at 19, she was from....
The participation of women in the medical field of India is increasing. In the year 2023-24, the share of women among medical school students was 54.6%. At the same time, according to the NSSO 2017-18 report, 29 percent of women in India are doctors. About 80 percent of nursing staff including midwives and 100 percent of Asha workers are women. The participation of women in the medical field has been an important achievement in the history of women's empowerment. With their hard work and dedication, Indian women not only made their mark in the field of medicine, but also brought change in the society.
The credit for the increasing participation of women in the medical field goes to Dr. Anandibai Joshi. Dr. Anandibai Joshi was the first Indian female doctor. Her struggle-filled journey also encouraged other women of the country to acquire medical education and make a career in this field. Let us know about the journey of India's first female doctor Anandibai Joshi to become a doctor.
Who was Anandibai Joshi
Dr. Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi was the first female doctor of India who was born on 31 March 1865 in a landlord family in Thane district of Maharashtra. She was married to Gopalrao Joshi at the age of just 9 years. Gopalrao was 16 years older than her. Gopal Rao inspired Anandibai to get education.
Anandibai's education and struggle
Anandibai became a mother at the age of 14 but could not become a mother due to lack of medical facilities. Anandibai was very saddened by this incident and decided to become a doctor so that in future she could work towards women's health in India and no child should die due to lack of medical facilities.
She took admission in the Women's Medical College in Pennsylvania, USA in 1883. Anandi sold all her jewellery to study. Her husband Gopalrao and many well-wishers also supported Anandi. In 1886, at the age of just 19, Anandiben obtained the degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD). Anandibai was the first Indian woman to receive the MD degree and became the first female doctor of the country. She also received praise from Queen Victoria for this achievement.
After returning to her homeland, she started working as the doctor in charge of the women's ward of Albert Edward Hospital in Kolhapur State. However, Anandibai died on 26 February 1887 at the age of just 22 due to tuberculosis.
