A recent revelation by experts at the National Medical Forum has highlighted a serious concern in Pakistan’s healthcare system: more than 60% of doctors and surgeons are suffering from constant physical and mental exhaustion.
The findings were shared during the “Life in a Metro” symposium, organized by a pharmaceutical company at a hotel in Karachi. Cardiologists and psychiatrists at the event emphasized that doctors in major cities, especially Karachi, face long working hours, continuous mental stress, pollution, traffic congestion, and unusually high patient pressure, all of which increase their risk for heart diseases, diabetes, obesity, depression, and anxiety.
Key Statistics and Findings
- 60%+ of doctors suffer from severe physical and mental fatigue.
- Over 80% experience chronic tiredness and lead an unhealthy lifestyle.
- The culture of self-diagnosis, self-medication, and continuing work despite illness is driving doctors toward early onset of serious health conditions.
- Doctors’ risk of heart attacks, diabetes, depression, and suicide is almost double that of the general population.
Experts’ Warnings
Medical specialists warned that if immediate reforms are not implemented, Pakistan risks losing its healthcare professionals prematurely, which could have severe consequences for both patients and the national health system. They stressed the need for:
- Mental health facilities for healthcare workers
- Better work hours and shift management
- Institutional reforms to reduce stress and burnout
The symposium highlighted that neglecting doctors’ well-being not only affects their personal health but also compromises the quality of care provided to patients, potentially straining the entire healthcare system.
Conclusion
Chronic fatigue among Pakistan’s doctors is an urgent issue that requires policy interventions, awareness, and systemic reforms. Protecting the mental and physical health of medical professionals is crucial not only for their own survival but also for maintaining a robust and effective national healthcare system.
