Beyond the White Coat: Long Shifts, Stress Define Doctors’ Lives
Junior doctors seek uniform duty-hour rules amid rising stress and safety concerns
Hyderabad: As the medical fraternity prepares to celebrate National Doctors' Day on Wednesday, doctors say the profession is becoming increasingly demanding, with long working hours, rising stress and growing expectations from patients.
Senior residents and junior doctors in government hospitals say they are struggling with excessive workloads, inadequate facilities and safety concerns.
A junior doctor, speaking to Deccan Chronicle on condition of anonymity, said the increasing pressure has taken a toll on young doctors who entered the profession with a sense of purpose. "The recent attacks on junior doctors make us feel not proud, though we entered the profession with passion. The stress, work burden and irregular schedules are worsening our dreams," the doctor said.
According to the Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA), duty schedules in several government teaching hospitals have become unsustainable, particularly in high-pressure specialities.
The association said junior and senior resident doctors in orthopaedics are often required to work more than 48 continuous hours, while those in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthesia and TB and chest medicine routinely perform 36-hour shifts. Medicine residents work over 33 hours continuously, while doctors at Niloufer Hospital and the Institute of Mental Health often perform 32-hour and 24-hour duties, respectively.
T-JUDA warned that such prolonged duty hours lead to severe physical and mental exhaustion. "Such prolonged, continuous duty hours lead to physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation, mental stress, burnout, impaired clinical judgment, increased risk of medical errors, occupational injuries, and deterioration of residents' physical and mental health. Ultimately, these conditions compromise patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivery," the association said.
The association urged the government to introduce uniform duty-hour regulations across medical colleges.
Doctors adapt to digital age, stay connected with patients
Hyderabad: Many private practitioners have adapted to the digital age by staying connected with patients through WhatsApp. Senior doctors said the nature of medical practice has evolved significantly, with digital communication becoming an integral part of patient care.
Dr Rahul Agrawal, head of department and clinical director of internal medicine of a private hospital at Hitec City, said doctors today continue caring for patients even after hospital hours.
"There are days when I finish my hospital rounds, sit in the car, and only then open WhatsApp. By that time, there may be 30 or 40 unread messages from patients sharing blood reports, asking whether a fever is normal, or simply wanting reassurance. I don't see those messages as an inconvenience; they are part of today's medical practice," he said.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, he added: "What I have learnt over the years is that every message doesn't require an instant reply, but every patient deserves to feel heard. I prioritise urgent concerns and respond to the rest as soon as my schedule allows. Equally important is switching off for a few hours to spend time with family or simply rest. Medicine is a demanding profession, and looking after ourselves is not a luxury. It is what helps us return the next day with the focus and judgment our patients expect."
