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Every year on July 1, India celebrates National Doctors’ Day to pay heartfelt tribute to the countless doctors who dedicate their lives to healing others. From saving lives in emergency rooms to standing by patients through recovery, doctors are often the first line of defence in society’s battle with illness. They work in high-pressure environments, sacrifice sleep, and often put their own well-being on the back burner to serve others. Their compassion and commitment form the backbone of India's healthcare system.
The Hidden Toll of Relentless Duty
While the nation appreciates doctors for their selfless service, the question remains: Who looks after the doctors? Many Indian doctors work 12–18-hour shifts, especially in government hospitals and medical colleges. Some go weeks even months, without a proper day off. During health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, this strain intensified, pushing physical and mental health to the edge.
Even today, doctors face long hours, minimal breaks, and high emotional stress, which has led to rising cases of burnout, anxiety, hypertension, and other lifestyle diseases among medical professionals.
Also Read: PM Narendra Modi hails doctors as 'pillars of humanity' on National Doctors' Day
Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Doctors often preach self-care to patients, healthy eating, sleep, and regular exercise, but struggle to practice it themselves. Systemic issues like staff shortages, underpaid junior doctors, and a lack of mental health support make matters worse.
Healthy Doctors, Healthier Patients: A Call for Institutional Change
Hospitals and health institutions must understand that doctors are not machines; they are human beings working under intense pressure, often dealing with life-and-death situations daily. When doctors are physically exhausted or mentally drained, it not only impacts their well-being but also compromises the quality of care they can offer to patients.
Providing mandatory breaks ensures that doctors have the time to rest and recharge between long shifts, reducing fatigue-related errors and improving focus. Adequate rest is scientifically proven to enhance decision-making, emotional regulation and physical stamina — all of which are critical in a medical setting. Providing mandatory breaks, mental health support, and reasonable working hours can make a huge difference.
Caring for the Caregivers
On this Doctors’ Day, while we honor doctors for their sacrifice and service, let’s also raise awareness about their own need for care. The well-being of doctors isn’t just a personal matter; it’s a public concern. Overworked, exhausted doctors cannot deliver their best, no matter how strong their intent. Ensuring they have time to recharge, access to mental health support, and a balanced work environment is not a luxury, it's a necessity. Doctors heal us — but they, too, need time to heal, rest, and recharge. A healthier doctor means a healthier nation.
