On a day meant to honour the dedication and sacrifices of India’s doctors, a growing chorus within the medical community is speaking out—not in celebration, but in concern. The iconic white coat, once a proud symbol of trust, intellect, and public service, is beginning to lose its shine.
At the heart of the discontent is a profession pushed to its limits. Long working hours, frequent exposure to trauma, increasing cases of workplace violence, and a lack of institutional support have led to widespread exhaustion and emotional fatigue among healthcare workers.
“It’s no longer about saving lives—it feels like survival for us,” said a young doctor working at a government hospital in Delhi. “There was a time when becoming a doctor was a dream. Today, for many of us, it’s a daily battle to stay afloat—mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
While National Doctor’s Day has traditionally been a time for patients and the public to show gratitude, this year’s reflections are more somber. Doctors across the country say the celebration feels empty when the system they work in often overlooks their basic needs—adequate pay, rest, security, and mental health support.
Several young residents report that they are overworked and underappreciated. Many hospitals remain short-staffed, and doctors are routinely forced to stretch themselves thin across departments. “We’re treated like machines,” another doctor from Mumbai stated. “There’s no time to grieve, no time to breathe.”
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the cracks in India’s healthcare infrastructure, but for many doctors, little has changed in its aftermath. Protective gear, rest facilities, and emotional support systems—once briefly prioritized—have largely vanished. What remains, they say, is a growing sense of burnout.
Compounding the crisis is a dangerous rise in violence against doctors. From emergency rooms to outpatient departments, stories of verbal abuse, threats, and even physical assault have become alarmingly common. “We are blamed for system failures beyond our control,” one senior physician said.
Mental health remains a taboo subject within the medical fraternity. Many doctors admit to experiencing depression, anxiety, and burnout, but few seek help, fearing judgment or professional consequences. “The white coat doesn’t just carry respect—it carries pressure. And no one teaches us how to carry that weight,” said a final-year medical student.
On Doctor’s Day 2025, the message from the medical community is clear: more than appreciation, they need action. They call for better working conditions, stronger legal protection, fair compensation, and an empathetic healthcare structure that acknowledges doctors as human beings.
Until then, the white coat may still command attention—but for many who wear it, it no longer feels like a badge of honour. It feels like a burden.
