Two Chennai doctors, Dr Maruthupandian and Dr Solaisamy, were found dead at their respective residences within a day of each other, coincidently, after completing 24-hour shifts.
As several people took to X on the cardiac-related deaths of medicos in Tamil Nadu, state Health Minister Ma Subramanian ordered an inquiry into the cause of death of the doctors.
The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) sent a letter to Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandviya, saying that it would be launching an initiative.
The organisation agreed that the doctors are overworked and overburdened with hectic, prolonged duty hours causing loneliness and depression that sometimes ends brilliant minds.
“Even in established hospitals such as Kilpauk Medical College (KMC) in Chennai, there are double 24-hour shifts a week. We feel like we are slaves,” said a postgraduate doctor from KMC.
Various doctors’ associations and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) have made several attempts to persuade the Tamil Nadu government to abolish 24-hour shifts alas to no avail.
The IMA is launching a 24×7 mental health helpline specifically for doctors. A panel of 15 psychiatrists will be formed aimed to address burnout and stress among medical professionals.