KEM’s ‘dosti’ programme helps doctors fight burnout, depression

Psychologist Shashwati Chavan, part of the programme, noted that students from smaller towns face challenges in the highly competitive environment. “Many students experience burnout and struggle to open up to their peers due to cultural differences,” Chavan said. The programme has also identified an increase in depression among students, with some requiring medication. If the cases are severe, the resident doctors are referred to senior doctors of the psychiatry department for further follow-ups.

The Dosti programme operates in two shifts: from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and from 2 pm to 9:30 pm, to fit the schedules of medical professionals.

Dr Neeta Sawant, head of the psychiatry department at KEM, acknowledged that harassment within departments is a problem. “We intervene when instances of harassment by faculty or seniors are reported,” she said. This intervention is part of the programme’s broader effort to address such issues and provide support to students.

Dr Gaurang Chaudhry of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors said, “The overwhelming workload and pressure are major factors contributing to mental stress and burnout. Recognising these signs early and implementing effective support systems, such as mental health resources and manageable work schedules, is crucial to support the well-being of medical professionals.”

A study published in JMIR Mental Health titled ‘Burnout, Depression, and Quality of Life Among Indian Physicians’ reveals that 76.6% of Indian doctors experience burnout and 56.8% suffer from depression. Key factors include excessive work hours, high job demands, and inadequate support systems, significantly affecting their personal and professional life.

Despite the programme’s efforts and the support provided to 175 participants, many still hesitate to seek help. “We struggle with low referral rates, which limits our ability to reach more individuals who might benefit from our support,” said a doctor involved in the centre.