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Doctor suicides in Kerala prompt call for more support to beat stress and isolation

The recent suicide of a young doctor in Thiruvananthapuram has brought attention to a disturbing trend of increasing suicides among medical professionals in the state. This year alone, 11 medical professionals, predominantly males across different age groups, have taken their own lives. Experts link this concerning pattern to elevated stress levels and social isolation experienced by doctors.

Mental health professionals have identified a rising sense of isolation among doctors, compounded by diminishing coping mechanisms to manage stressors. Organizations representing house surgeons and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) have emphasized the urgent need to alleviate stress by reducing workloads and improving service conditions. Postgraduate students, particularly, face significant challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “PG students have the most workload and are poorly paid. Many of us are married and have familial responsibilities, in addition to repaying education loans. Several students have reported marital problems due to these factors,” noted a representative from the Kerala Medical Postgraduates Association. PG students in government medical colleges receive a stipend of approximately Rs 50,000 per month and have petitioned the government for a reduction in workload and an increase in stipends.

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