Behind the White Coats

Characters:

1. Dr. Priya (Female) - An experienced doctor, empathetic, and a mentor figure.

2. Dr. Aisha (Female) - A younger, passionate doctor representing the newer generation.

3. Dr. Ravi (Male) - An optimistic male doctor who becomes an ally.

4. Mrs. Sharma (Female) - A frustrated patient’s family member.

5. Dr. Meera (Female) - A junior doctor facing harassment.

6. Mr. Kapoor (Male) - The hospital administrator focused on budget constraints.

---

Scene 1: Hospital Break Room

(Dr. Priya and Dr. Aisha are seated with coffee mugs. Dr. Meera enters, visibly upset.)

Dr. Priya: (concerned) Meera, what happened? You look upset.

Dr. Meera: (sighs) Another argument with a patient’s family. They accused me of being
incompetent just because I’m young… and a woman.

Dr. Aisha: (frustrated) It’s the same story every day. Patients’ families take out their
frustration on us, and our gender only makes it worse.

Dr. Priya: (calmly) It’s hard, but remember, competence speaks louder than words. Let’s
focus on doing our best for the patients.

(Dr. Ravi enters, smiling and holding a file.)

Dr. Ravi: Hello, team! Why the gloomy faces?

Dr. Meera: (sarcastic) Just the usual… being judged for things unrelated to our work.

Dr. Ravi: (pauses) I’ve never had to think about that. But you’re right; it’s unfair. How can I
help?

Dr. Priya: (smiling faintly) Stick around, Ravi. We’ll show you.

---

Scene 2: Hospital Corridor

(Mrs. Sharma, a patient’s family member, is arguing with Dr. Meera. Dr. Aisha arrives mid-
conversation.)

Mrs. Sharma: (angrily) My husband has been waiting for hours! Are you even qualified to
treat him?

Dr. Meera: (calmly) Mrs. Sharma, emergencies take priority. Your husband’s condition is
stable, and we’ll see him soon.

Mrs. Sharma: (scoffs) If you were a senior male doctor, this wouldn’t happen.

Dr. Aisha: (stepping in) That’s enough, Mrs. Sharma. Dr. Meera is fully qualified. Let’s focus
on your husband’s care instead of making baseless assumptions.
(Mrs. Sharma hesitates, then nods reluctantly.)

---

Scene 3: Hospital Office

(Dr. Priya and Dr. Ravi meet with Mr. Kapoor, the administrator. Dr. Meera joins later.)

Dr. Priya: Mr. Kapoor, we need better security measures for night shifts. Female staff feel
unsafe, especially after the recent incidents.

Mr. Kapoor: (reluctantly) I understand, but the budget is already tight. Adding more guards
will be difficult.

Dr. Ravi: (firmly) This isn’t optional, Mr. Kapoor. Safety is non-negotiable.

Dr. Meera: (entering) I’ve faced harassment twice this week during night shifts. It’s affecting
our ability to work.

Mr. Kapoor: (sighs) I’ll review the budget again. Let me see what can be done.

Dr. Priya: (nodding) Thank you. We’ll follow up.

---

Scene 4: Press Conference

(Dr. Aisha is being interviewed by a journalist on stage. The backdrop reads “Healthcare
Heroes: Voices from the Frontline.”)
Journalist: Dr. Aisha, what are the biggest challenges you face as a doctor?

Dr. Aisha: (confident) The lack of respect and understanding. People forget that we’re
human too. For female doctors, it’s even harder—we’re constantly questioned and often
face harassment.

Journalist: What changes would you like to see?

Dr. Aisha: (serious) Respect and systemic support. We need better security, fair treatment,
and recognition for our work, regardless of gender.

---

Scene 5: Emergency Ward

(Dr. Priya is mentoring Dr. Meera and Dr. Ravi as they handle a critical patient.)

Dr. Meera: (nervously) What if I make a mistake?

Dr. Priya: (reassuring) Mistakes happen, but fear shouldn’t stop you. Focus on the patient
and what needs to be done.

(They stabilize the patient successfully.)

Dr. Ravi: (to Dr. Meera) You did great. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.

Dr. Meera: (smiling) Thanks. I’ll remember that.

---

Scene 6: Balancing Acts

(Dr. Meera and Dr. Aisha are in the hospital break room, discussing their day. Dr. Meera
looks exhausted.)

Dr. Meera: (rubbing her temples) I can’t believe I still have to go home and cook dinner. My
family doesn’t get how draining this job is.

Dr. Aisha: (sympathetic) Same here. I’ve got a pile of laundry waiting, and my mom’s
already called twice about the groceries I forgot to buy.

Dr. Meera: (sighs) Sometimes I feel like I’m living two lives—a doctor here and a
housekeeper at home.

Dr. Aisha: (nodding) It’s not just us. I read a study recently—women in demanding jobs still
do most of the housework. It’s exhausting.

(Dr. Priya enters, overhearing them.)

Dr. Priya: (kindly) Ladies, it’s okay to ask for help. Your families need to understand the
pressure you’re under. You’re human, not superheroes.

Dr. Meera: (thoughtfully) Maybe it’s time for a conversation at home. I can’t keep this up.

Dr. Aisha: (smiling) Agreed. Self-care isn’t selfish.

Dr. Priya: (smiling) That’s the spirit. Now, let’s grab some tea before the next round.

---

Scene 7: Hospital Cafeteria

(Dr. Priya, Dr. Aisha, Dr. Ravi, and Dr. Meera are sitting together, discussing the day.)

Dr. Ravi: (joking) So, do we call today a win or a disaster?

Dr. Aisha: (laughing) Let’s call it a learning experience.

Dr. Meera: (thoughtfully) You know, despite everything, I’m proud to be here. We make a
difference.

Dr. Priya: (smiling) That’s the spirit. We face challenges, but our purpose keeps us going.

Dr. Ravi: (raising a toast with his coffee) To resilience and making a difference!

(They all clink their cups as the lights fade.)

---

Curtain Closes.