Over 83 percent of doctors reported that constant patient access via WhatsApp, phone calls, and digital messages has increased their stress (Representative image)July 1 marks Doctors’ Day and a survey conducted by Medtalks, a doctor engagement platform, revealed the growing mental and emotional burden faced by doctors in the country. The survey, conducted with 200 doctors across public and private healthcare systems, found that 74 percent of respondents feel emotionally exhausted on a weekly or daily basis, highlighting the depth of burnout and chronic stress in the medical profession.While long working hours remain a consistent challenge, the findings point to a newer set of stressors that intensify the strain. Over 83 percent of doctors reported that constant patient access via WhatsApp, phone calls, and digital messages has increased their stress, with many saying they regularly receive urgent queries outside clinical hours. This round-the-clock communication has blurred personal boundaries, leaving doctors with limited time to disconnect or recover.An official statement stating the survey findings said that the threat of violence and aggression is another major source of concern. The survey found that 38 percent of doctors were very worried about their safety at work, and nearly 40 percent have personally experienced verbal or physical aggression from patients or their families. Many respondents admitted that this fear directly influences their approach to diagnosis, communication, and decision-making, often leading them to act defensively or cautiously even in routine scenarios.The pressure is further compounded by administrative burdens, fear of litigation, lack of institutional support, and increasing expectations to deliver perfect outcomes. Over one-third of doctors reported working more than 60 hours per week, and only 17 percent manage to take one full, uninterrupted day off regularly. A majority of respondents felt they had little support in managing these pressures. In fact, just 14 percent said they feel the current healthcare system enables them to prioritise their own wellbeing, while 52 percent said it does not.“Doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system. They hold communities together during crises, deliver care in the most demanding situations, and continue to serve despite growing pressures,” Nilesh Aggarwal, Founder of Medtalks said in the statement. “By releasing this study, we hope to spark meaningful conversations about the real challenges doctors face today, from digital fatigue to safety concerns, and to inspire collective action across institutions, policymakers, and society at large,” Aggarwal added.Dr Sanjay Kalra, chairperson, Education Working Group, International Society of Endocrinology,added, “This Doctors’ Day, we need to move beyond symbolic appreciation and start asking tougher questions. Are we creating a healthcare ecosystem where doctors feel safe, heard, and human? The answer today, clearly, is no.”Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:doctors