National Doctors’ Day: A Tired Doctor is a Dangerous Doctor

Across various countries, March 30th of every year is dedicated to appreciating physicians for their dedication and hard work in saving lives. However, physicians today spend unpleasant long hours at work (up to 94hours in some cases), causing more than half of them to suffer burnout, and about 2 in every 10 battling depression.

As we celebrate the National Doctors’ Day this year, we take a moment to reflect upon and examine the state of wellbeing of physicians caring for others.

When Should We Be Concerned About Our Doctor’s Well-Being

Recently, a video surfaced online showing a distressed mother calling out young doctors, highlighting concerns about patient care. While it’s important to acknowledge both sides of the discussion, one undeniable truth stands out: a tired doctor is a dangerous doctor.

The Reality of a Young Doctor’s Schedule
In many government hospitals, the average young doctor is burdened with an overwhelming workload. A typical shift involves seeing over 50 patients during the day, starting a call duty from 4 PM until 8 AM the next day, and then continuing to work from 8 AM to 4 PM—sometimes even longer if an emergency case arises. This gruelling cycle can extend for days, sometimes weeks, without adequate rest.

The Impact of Burnout on Patient Care
Under such conditions, doctors become mentally and physically exhausted. A doctor battling fatigue, financial stress, and lack of family time cannot provide optimal care. Burnout leads to decreased concentration, slower decision-making, and an increased risk of medical errors—ultimately putting patients at risk.

The Exodus of Doctors
In the past, doctors left the country mainly due to limited residency slots. Today, the mass exodus, or “Japa,” is fuelled by systemic frustrations, including poor working conditions, inadequate pay, and lack of institutional support. This migration further worsens the healthcare deficit, leaving fewer doctors to care for an increasing patient population.

Changing the Narrative: What Can Be Done?
To improve healthcare outcomes and protect both patients and doctors, the government must take action:
– Employ More Healthcare Workers: Increasing the number of doctors and support staff will reduce the workload per doctor and improve patient wait times.
– Implement Proper Work Schedules: Structured shifts and mandatory rest periods will help prevent burnout and enhance the quality of patient care.
– Improve Working Conditions: Providing better salaries, incentives, and a conducive working environment will encourage doctors to remain in the system and perform at their best.

A Call for Empathy
The next time you visit a doctor, remember that they too, are human. Many doctors go above and beyond, often contributing their own resources to help patients. Instead of criticism, a little kindness can go a long way.

A well-rested, supported doctor is a more effective, compassionate, and safer doctor. Let’s work together to create a healthcare system that benefits everyone.

About Author:
Glory Alapa is a Medical Officer at Faith Alive Foundation Hospital. She’s passionate about issues concerning health, gender and climate. She’s the founder Safethrow Initiative and Pearl Medicals, a social enterprise that leverages on innovative technologies to properly manage clinical wastes and promote a safer work environment in health facilities for quality healthcare delivery. She is a freelancer skilled at research writing, data analysis and transcription.