The city unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has raised concerns over the death of junior doctor Yogesh at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh.
“While the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated, the unfortunate event has once again drawn attention to the immense physical, mental and emotional pressure faced by doctors, particularly resident and junior doctors working in tertiary care institutions,” said Dr Anil Kumar, president, IMA, Chandigarh.
Doctors in public healthcare institutions routinely work under highly stressful conditions, often managing excessive patient loads, prolonged duty hours, sleep deprivation and manpower shortages. The cumulative impact of these factors can affect the mental well-being of healthcare professionals and calls for urgent attention from policy makers and hospital administrators, he added.
He urged the Administration and healthcare institutions to undertake a comprehensive review of the working environment at hospitals and implement measures aimed at reducing excessive duty hours, ensuring adequate staffing, improving workplace support systems and promoting a healthier work-life balance.
The association emphasised the need for structured mental health support for healthcare professionals, including regular counselling services, stress management programmes and periodic wellness assessments.
“The health of our healthcare providers is as important as the health of our patients. A healthcare system can function effectively only when its workforce is supported, protected and cared for,” said Dr RS Bedi, former national vice-president, IMA.
The IMA also expressed grave concern over the increasing incidence of violence against doctors across the country. Referring to the recent brutal assault on the president of the IMA, Rajasthan, the association condemned the attack and demanded immediate arrest of the accused.
