Helping Doctors deal with stress: AIIMS to open Special Wellness Clinic

Medical dialogues earlier reported about the plight of doctors at the institute five doctors attached to the hospital had been admitted to the psychiatric ward within a span of one week, seeking treatment for mental health. The news which did not come as a surprise to many familiar with the plight of resident doctors indeed raises questions of the mental safety of doctors working in government hospitals.

Read Also: A week at AIIMS: 5 doctors admitted to Psychiatry Ward, One attempts Suicide

Most recently, a PhD student from the Microbiology department of AIIMS, who survived an attempted suicide bid, was seen accusing his supervisor of mental harassment, abuse and delay in his fellowship.

Read Also: AIIMS PhD students attempts suicide, alleges mental harassment by supervisor

Dr Nand Kumar, professor of psychiatry at the institute, confirmed that he used to see 2-3 medical students and doctors every month.  He said that they approached him for counselling and suggestions. "But detailed examination and discussion often reveal sub-clinical depression or burnout," he told TOI.

Currently, the institute runs those programmes which concentrate on freshers getting used to the new environment. Dr Vijay Kumar, a senior resident at AIIMS, highlighting the issues of resident doctors added  "Many students coming from rural areas have problems coping with the academic burden. Some of them need guidance. Senior residents often face problems due to long working hours and lack of hostel facilities. Some of them live in cramped rooms. These issues must be addressed too."