MD Radiotherapy medico commits suicide due to alleged academic, clinical pressure

Korba: In a tragic incident, a young doctor pursuing her MD in Radiotherapy at Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Medical College (Pt JNMMC), Raipur, allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself from the ceiling at her residence in Korba.

According to police and her peers, she had been dealing with clinical depression and was receiving counselling from institutional psychiatrists. Her peers confirmed that she had attempted suicide two months ago and was under regular supervision via calls and messages since then. 

It is believed that she took the extreme step due to the extreme academic and clinical pressure associated with her Radiotherapy course. Not only this, but her long and exhausting work hours, which often stretched from morning till late at night, are also thought to have played a role in her mental distress.

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The incident took place after the doctor returned to her family home in Vikasnagar, Kusmunda, about two weeks ago. On the day of the incident, her parents had gone to Vaishali Nagar for a medical appointment. When they came back around 9 am, they found her hanging inside the house.

According to a recent media report by The Hitavada, the deceased doctor had a strong academic background and was known for being hardworking. She completed her MBBS from Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS), Bilaspur, and recently got a permanent post as Junior Resident in the Psychiatry Department at Government Medical College (GMC), Korba.

According to a friend from her CIMS batch, the doctor had attempted suicide two months ago and was under regular supervision via calls and messages since then. The friend also mentioned that she was struggling with academic pressure and clinical duties, but despite this, she continued her work. 

“She was under severe academic and clinical pressure in Radiotherapy. Despite that, she was hopeful and preparing to resume her duties at GMC Korba,” the peer said.

Her daily routine reportedly started at 8 in the morning and often stretched late into the night. The demanding schedule is believed to have added to her stress. No suicide note was found at the scene, but her family has given her medical records to the police for the investigation.

Dr Rakesh Gupta, Chairman of the CPCC Medical Cell and Patron of the Junior Doctors Association, expressed deep concern over the incident. He said, "This tragic loss calls for immediate reforms in the structure of postgraduate medical training. It’s time to adopt the National Medical Commission’s guidelines with humanity and urgency. Young doctors cannot be left to bear relentless pressure without institutional empathy."