Kolkata, March - Fortis Hospital Anandapur celebrated International Women's Day, showcasing the strength and achievements of women in the medical field. The event featured a cake-cutting ceremony followed by an insightful panel discussion on "Work-Life Balance for Working Women."

Sister Doli Biswas, Chief of Nursing, moderated the panel, steering the conversation towards the challenges and triumphs of balancing professional and personal lives.

The panelists comprised women from various medical specialties, each bringing a unique perspective to the discussion. Ms. Richa S. Debgupta - Chief of Strategy & Operation, Dr. Sivaresmi Unnithan - Consultant, Pulmonology, Dr. Sujata Dutta - Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dr. Sanjukta Sarkar - Consultant, Anesthesiology, Dr. Aparajita Chatterjee - Consultant, Neurology, Dr. Ashima Bhelotkar - Consultant, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS), and Dr. Sanjukta Dutta - Consultant, Emergency.

The panelists engaged in a dynamic conversation, about supporting women in balancing work and personal life. They emphasized the importance of providing flexibility, childcare facilities in the workforce, and focusing on work expectations rather than rigid hours. Key points included addressing the challenges women face in managing both aspects of life and highlighting the significance of maternity and paternity leave. The panel also explored ways the government and society can contribute, emphasizing the need for policies that offer support and understanding. 

Dr. Sivaresmi Unnithan said, "Work holds great significance in our lives, a value instilled in me by my mother. Today, I would like to emphasize that women should educate their sons about the shared responsibility of child-rearing by both parents. It's crucial to teach them about the various forms of discrimination that can occur in the workplace."

Dr. Sujata Dutta shared valuable insights on managing work-life balance by emphasizing three key strategies. She said, “Prioritize the specific stage of life you are in and devote your full attention to it. Compartmentalize your responsibilities, avoiding the blending of work and home life. Delegate tasks when necessary and don't hesitate to seek help when needed.”

Dr. Sanjukta Dutta expressed, "If women weren't there, society would be a mess; where men lack, women take hold. Women should devote 100% determination to work, yet they also prioritize family time. This is an area where men often fall short, and women step in to take care."

Dr. Sanjukta Sarkar emphasized, "The responsibility of both genders should be 50%, and as a society, we must create a robust emotional and mental support system. This makes achieving work-life balance simpler."

Fortis Hospital Anandapur is happy to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable women and foster an environment that supports the professional growth and well-being of all its employees.