It has been rightly said that Health is Wealth. As long as one is healthy, it is possible to overcome any circumstance and emerge victorious. Which is why so many people compare doctors to deities, since they too have the power to save lives and cure ailments. However, despite putting them on such high pedestal, people often overlook the challenges they face.
July 1st is celebrated as National Doctors’ Day in India, in order to honour the invaluable contributions of medical professionals. Doctors have a huge responsibility to their patients. They have to remain available and provide treatment to the best of their abilities regardless of their own needs or comforts. Despite this, they have to suffer through so many issues, especially for the resident doctors, that are solvable. Let us shed light on some of these challenges.
Long Working Hours and Burnout
One of the most pressing issues for resident doctors is the grueling working hours. They are often required to work long and extended shifts, sometimes stretching up to 36 to 48 hours without adequate breaks. This relentless schedule causes severe physical and mental exhaustion, commonly known as burnout. Burnout not only diminishes the quality of patient care but also adversely affects the doctors’ own health, leading to a vicious cycle of declining well-being and performance.
Insufficient Salaries and Delayed Payments
Despite their critical role in the healthcare system, resident doctors frequently face financial instability due to insufficient salaries. Sometimes, they are even subjected to delay in payments forcing the doctors to find other sources of income or seek help from family. The stipends of resident doctors was increased this year to Rs. 85,000 per month. However, it does not justify the ruthless schedule they have to adhere to at the cost of their own health and peace of mind.
Inadequate Infrastructure and Resources
The healthcare infrastructure in India still lags behind in providing adequate resources for resident doctors. Often it is observed that many hospitals lack essential medical equipment, proper sanitation, and sufficient beds for patients. These deficiencies make it challenging for doctors to deliver optimal care. Additionally, overcrowded hospitals mean resident doctors often deal with a high patient load, which can be overwhelming and lead to compromised patient care.
Violence and Abuse
Violence against doctors has been a growing concern. Resident doctors frequently face verbal and physical abuse from patients’ relatives, particularly when outcomes are not favorable. This violence is often fueled by frustration with the healthcare system and unrealistic expectations from medical staff. Such incidents not only pose a physical threat but also create a hostile working environment, impacting the doctors’ mental health and job satisfaction.
Mental Health Challenges
The cumulative stress from long hours, inadequate sleep, financial instability, and workplace violence takes a significant toll on the mental health of resident doctors. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are prevalent among this group, yet there is a stigma attached to seeking help. The lack of adequate mental health support services within the medical community further exacerbates the problem, leading to a silent crisis among resident doctors.
Administrative and Bureaucratic Hurdles
Resident doctors in Maharashtra also face numerous administrative and bureaucratic challenges. The process of obtaining necessary permissions, dealing with hospital administration, and navigating complex regulations can be cumbersome and time-consuming. These non-clinical responsibilities add to their workload and detract from their primary focus of patient care.
Inadequate Living Conditions
Many resident doctors live in substandard accommodations provided by hospitals. These facilities often lack basic amenities, are overcrowded, and are poorly maintained. The stress of living in such conditions, combined with the already demanding nature of their job, further affects their overall quality of life.
Conclusion
On National Doctors’ Day, it is imperative to acknowledge not only the dedication and hard work of resident doctors but also the numerous challenges they face. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, including improving working conditions, ensuring timely and adequate compensation, enhancing hospital infrastructure, providing mental health support, and creating clear career pathways. By tackling these problems, we can ensure that our resident doctors receive the respect, support, and resources they need to continue their vital work in safeguarding public health.
