Resident doctors are the engine of public hospitals, keeping emergency rooms, ICUs, labour rooms and operation theatres running while training to become specialists. But behind the white coats, many are battling relentless exhaustion, burnout and worsening mental health.A new Review Medical System (RMS) 2.0 survey by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) found that 16.5 per cent of resident doctors in Maharashtra reported experiencing work-related thoughts of self-harm, while nearly half had considered quitting residency because of overwhelming stress.Burnout and sleep deprivationThe survey, conducted among 109 resident doctors from government and private teaching institutions across the state, found that nearly 78 per cent experienced burnout either frequently or occasionally, while over 82 per cent reported sleep deprivation due to prolonged duty hours. More than half (53.2 per cent) had worked continuously for over 36 hours, 56 per cent said they rarely or never receive mandatory post-duty rest, and nearly 62 per cent described their workload as high or extremely high.Though based on responses from participating doctors rather than every resident doctor in Maharashtra, the findings reinforce concerns long raised by doctors’ associations.The numbers come against the backdrop of recent tragedies within the state’s medical fraternity. In May, a first-year radiology resident at Mumbai’s Sir J.J. Hospital was found dead in his hostel room while undergoing treatment for depression. The incident revived concerns over mental health support for resident doctors and recalled the 2019 death of Dr Payal Tadvi at BYL Nair Hospital, which triggered nationwide scrutiny of workplace harassment and psychological support in medical colleges. Dr Akshay Dongardive, Maharashtra President of FAIMA, said the survey highlights systemic failures. “Resident doctors are the backbone of public healthcare, yet many continue to work prolonged hours without adequate rest or mental health support. Burnout has become a systemic issue, not an individual one. We hope policymakers recognise the urgent need for reforms that improve doctors’ wellbeing while strengthening patient care,” he said.A second-year resident at a Mumbai government hospital, speaking anonymously, said prolonged shifts have become routine. “You finish a 30- or 36-hour shift and are expected to resume academic work or continue routine responsibilities. Sleep becomes a luxury, and over time you begin functioning on fatigue rather than rest.”Need of mental health support systemsConsultant psychiatrist Dr Sagar Mundada said chronic occupational stress should never be accepted as part of medical training. “Persistent sleep deprivation and emotional exhaustion significantly increase the risk of anxiety, depression and burnout. Institutions need confidential mental health support systems where doctors can seek help early without fear of stigma or professional consequences,” he said.The survey also found that 45.9 per cent of respondents had considered leaving residency because of stress and workload, raising concerns about retaining young specialists in Maharashtra’s public healthcare system. Experts warn that chronic fatigue can impair concentration, slow decision-making and increase the risk of medical errors, ultimately affecting patient safety.Medical organisations have called for stricter enforcement of regulated duty hours, compulsory post-duty rest, improved hostel facilities, confidential counselling services and increased recruitment to reduce excessive workloads.

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