Doctor’s Day: Medical professionals under strain from work stress, fund shortages

Hyderabad: ‘Healing hands, Caring hearts’ is the theme for the year 2024, for the National Doctor’s Day celebrations on July 1 – the birth and death anniversary of one of the country’s famous physicians, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, who served as the chief minister of West Bengal.

The doctors play a vital role in saving lives, alleviating suffering and promoting wellbeing. Doctors, the backbone of the public health system, are honoured on this day to pay tribute to their dedication.

Even as technological advancements aid the doctors, the excess workload and stress affect their mental and physical well-being. The challenges of doctors are constantly evolving, requiring governments to take proactive steps to address them.

‘Spending on health must increase’

The medical profession remains one of the most sought-after since it is believed to bring more satisfaction than any other profession.

“It is indeed a rarest of the rare professions since we help the patient relieve from his condition, help his revival and extend his lifespan. We are proud of this profession,” Dr Kiran Madhala, secretary general of the Telangana Teaching Government Doctors Association.

The doctors often face the ire of the patients due to the lack of facilities and treatment in government hospitals since the public health system remains one of the most sought after by economically backward people, given the affordability.

“The government spends only 2 per cent of the GDP on health which is not sufficient. The government should allocate at least 10 per cent to ensure that all facilities are available in government hospitals,” Dr Kiran said.

The Covid-19 pandemic has emphasised the need for higher spending and a better healthcare system across the country to withstand the load of such outbreaks.

Technology aiding doctors and patients

Despite the shortage of funds, the advancements in technological developments aid doctors and patients alike in better diagnosis, prediction and intervention. The evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI) has come as a handy tool.

Dr L Kiran Kumar Reddy, an interventional cardiologist at Onus Heart Institute said, “The Heart AI system implemented in our hospital utilises the use of AI in imaging which is vital in cardiovascular diseases.”

With the monumental shift in using technologies, the prediction of future cardiovascular diseases has improved, with imaging helping in identifying abnormalities of the heart. Such predictions can help in preventing the condition and reducing severity.

“AI helps in different analyses and we are able to achieve 36 per cent improvement in prediction. It helps in angio for borderline calculations. AI also provides better surgical results,” Dr Kiran Kumar said.

Neurotechnology, mRNA, robotics and 3D printing are other technologies finding a prominent place in the medical industry. The advancements have led to effective contributions from robotics, telemedicine and mental health technology.

Dr Kiran Kumar Reddy said, “Such advancements are helping both the doctors and patients to plan ahead and ensure adequate treatment.”

Struggles faced by doctors

Despite the advancements, several challenges faced by doctors are least discussed. The emotional burden on the doctors affects both their personal and professional lives.

“Constant exposure to high-stress situations and the emotional weight of the patients blurs the line between their own emotions and those of their patients. This emotional fatigue impairs their personal lives,” said Aanandita Vaghini, founder and mental health therapist at UnFix Your Feelings.

With such an adverse impact, the doctors too, need to seek professional help and ensure manageable workloads for professional effectiveness.

Dr Kiran Madhala said, “The present generation of doctors faces a higher workload and receives lesser returns. An average doctor is not happy with both their personal and professional lives. The only driving force is the push to serve the needy.”

Aspiring doctors worried about the future amid scams, suicides

Meanwhile, aspiring doctors face an extremely different array of struggles.

The recent controversy over the malpractices and alleged leak of question papers have cast shadows over the conduct of the exams.

The recent protests, demanding the disbanding of the National Testing Agency (NTA) have gathered momentum.

The pressure to perform better in the NEET exam has led to several suicides in Telangana and across the country. The higher stress level, adding to societal pressure is leading to the physical and mental well-being of the aspirants.

The experts call for adequate professional help to ensure the physical and mental well-being of aspiring and practising doctors.