PROFESSIONAL OBSTACLES TO ANESTHESIA PERSONALE PRACTICE IN PUBLIC SECTORS HOSPITAL OF PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background: Since its introduction in 1846, anesthesia has transformed modern medicine by enabling, the pain-free surgical procedures through controlled unconsciousness and amnesia. Despite its critical role, anesthesiology faces multiple challenges, including limited collaboration with surgeons, workforce shortages, gender disparities, and insufficient institutional support particularly in low-resource settings. Factors such as limited recognition, resource constraints, and reduced patient interaction further influence career choices in this field. Objective: This study aimed to identify the key challenges faced by anesthesia personnel in clinical practice, explore reasons for the low interest of medical students in anesthesiology as a career, and examine factors contributing to the underrepresentation of female professionals in public sector hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in operating theaters of two major hospitals in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A total of 96 participants including anesthesia technicians, technologists, medical officers, training medical officers, and assistant professors were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire developed with expert input, capturing demographic characteristics and perceived professional barriers. Verbal consent was obtained from all participants. Results: Most participants were aged 20–30 years, with a predominance of males (71.9%). Anesthesia technicians constituted 36.5% of the sample, and over half (51%) had less than five years of experience. Key challenges included long working hours (58.3%), stress and burnout, and financial concerns (43.8%). Fear while managing high-risk patients was reported by 51% of participants. More than half (57.3%) perceived anesthesiologists as underpaid compared to surgeons, while 53.1% identified inadequate training opportunities in the region. Limited patient interaction (51%) and dependence on surgeons (43.8%) were also noted. Satisfaction with public sector resources was mixed, with only 40.6% reporting satisfaction. Conclusion: Anesthesia personnel in Peshawar face significant professional, institutional, and societal challenges that impact job satisfaction and career interest. Addressing issues such as training gaps, gender disparity, workload, and resource limitations is essential to strengthen the anesthesiology workforce and improve healthcare outcomes.