High workload, paired with a spike in incidents of violence and harassment, has left staff at government hospitals in Ludhiana battling low morale and increasing stress. Reports of attacks on government-employed doctors while at work surface every few months, and recent incidents at the local Civil Hospital underscore the mounting psychological strain faced by doctors and support workers.
Recent Incidents Highlight Staff Distress
Just recently, two incidents of harassment and work stress came to the fore at the Ludhiana Civil Hospital. In one case, a ward attendant allegedly consumed intoxicating pills after being reassigned. In another, four doctors posted at the central jail accused the jail superintendent of bullying, using abusive language, and creating a hostile work environment.
Doctors Seek Union Intervention
In a representation submitted to the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), the doctors alleged repeated instances of demeaning behavior over the months, leading to extreme mental harassment and a dent in their morale. PCMSA state president Dr. Akhil Sarin said, “PCMSA believes such incidents of ignominy and disregard severely dent their (medical officers’) morale. At a time when the cadre is already witnessing an ever-increasing attrition rate and a plummeting joining rate, demeaning of its officials will potentially have a damaging effect on the morale of the younger lot of doctors as well.” A psychiatrist, earlier posted at the jail, had also described the atmosphere as mentally draining, warning that such incidents occurring repeatedly could lead to mental strain and trauma.
Experts Call for Preventive Measures
Experts say the need of the hour is to adopt preventive measures to tackle the issue, cautioning that the morale of the staff will continue to plummet otherwise. Psychologists and psychiatrists warned that the mounting stress can prove taxing for medical staff, and it will become difficult for them to discharge their duties if their mental health is not good. Dr. Parveen, a clinical psychologist, said working in such an environment causes mental stress. “How will they work and take care of others when they are under pressure themselves? It can lead to depression,” he added.
Demand for Stress Management Programs
Dr. Harpreet Singh, a psychiatrist, echoed the concerns raised by his peers. “Doctors and support staff need structured stress management programs, regular counseling, and workshops on dealing with the stressful environment. Without them, the system risks losing valuable professionals to attrition,” he said. The recurring violence and high workload have created a crisis that demands immediate attention from hospital administrations and policymakers to safeguard the well-being of healthcare workers.
