In India’s busy hospitals, every day unfolds a harsh reality. For many doctors, the dream of saving lives often becomes an ordeal marked by long working hours, inadequate protection and a lack of basic necessities. The recent tragic death of a young doctor in Kolkata has shed a stark light on the systemic issues affecting India’s medical profession, highlighting a crisis that needs urgent attention. Imagine finishing a grueling 36-hour shift and finding yourself in a cramped on-call room with no lock on the door. Tired and undernourished, doctors in India often face scenarios that highlight
the severe lack of basic safety and comfort in their work environments. These are not isolated incidents but are symbolic of a wider crisis affecting healthcare professionals across the country. Dr Susmita Sengupta, who graduated from M.G.M. Medical College and Hospital in Jamshedpur, shares her experience of working in these harsh conditions. “Residency in India is incredibly challenging,” she says. “The working environment is often toxic, with little support or protection.” The recent death of a 31-year-old junior doctor in Kolkata, who was brutally murdered after a long shift, has only added to these concerns. The tragic incident has sparked protests across the country, with doctors, students and human rights activists uniting to demand justice and
better working conditions. Burdening the system India’s healthcare system is underfunded, with government hospitals serving as the primary source of medical care for the country’s low-income population. These institutions are vital, but often suffer from overcrowding, underfunding and inadequate infrastructure. For doctors working in such an environment, the burden can be overwhelming. Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bandyopadhyay, now a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, recalls his experiences in government hospitals in India. “We would see up to 400 patients a day in the outpatient department, which was impossible to handle,” he says. The sheer number of patients and the lack of resources put a lot of pressure on medical staff. In these high-stress environments, conflicts can escalate quickly. Dr Bandyopadhyay recalls an incident where they were
subjected to verbal abuse from a patient’s relatives after a failed resuscitation attempt. “There was no one to protect us,” he recalls. Such incidents are all too common and reflect a disturbing trend of hostility towards healthcare workers. he recent case in Kolkata has brought these issues to the fore. The murder of the junior doctor has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and systemic reforms in the healthcare sector. In response, the Supreme Court of India has set up a national task force to evaluate and recommend improvements in workplace safety for doctors. Dr Richa Sharma, an anaesthesiologist based in the United States, has been actively involved in advocating for change. She has united a group of U.S.-based alumni of Indian medical colleges to press for reforms and better working conditions. “We need systemic change,” Dr. Sharma stressed. “The current system is failing both doctors and patients.” Dr. Shoborose Tantray, associate professor at Ghaziabad’s Santosh Medical College, also emphasized the need for better safety measures. “Doctors often face abuse in government or private hospitals,” she says. “There is a great need for better protection and support for medical professionals.” The impact of overwork The relentless pace and demanding
nature of medical training in India contribute to high levels of stress and burnout among doctors. Long shifts, combined with inadequate rest and support, take a toll on their physical and mental health. Surgeon Dr. Aditya Yadav recounts a horrific experience where a patient threatened violence after being dissatisfied with treatment. “The stress and pressure we face can be overwhelming,” he says. The impact of overwork goes beyond individual doctors. This affects the quality of care provided to patients, as exhausted and stressed medical professionals are less able to provide the high standards of care they aspire to. “We often work in very unsanitary conditions,” says Dr. Sengupta. “This not only affects us, but patient care is also affected.” The tragic events of recent months have inspired a movement for change within the medical community and beyond. The cries for justice and better working conditions are calling for a fundamental shift in the way India’s healthcare system operates. Moving forward requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate and long-term issues. This includes increasing safety measures, improving working conditions, and ensuring that doctors have the right to perform their duties.