Resident doctors struggle as NEET PG counselling delays double their workload

 Resident Doctors Struggle as NEET PG Counselling Delays Double Their Workload

Introduction: Surge in Workload Amid Counselling Delays

The ongoing delays in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) counselling have left resident doctors grappling with an overwhelming workload, creating an increasingly strained healthcare system. The delay has stretched the resources of medical institutions, as a reduced number of postgraduates are available for essential duties. As they continue to work under immense pressure, the repercussions on the healthcare system are becoming more visible.

The Impact of NEET PG Counselling Delay on Medical Professionals

Typically, the NEET PG counselling process, which allocates postgraduate seats to qualified candidates, is a crucial step for resident doctors looking to continue their medical education. However, this year, the delay in counselling has left many postgraduate aspirants in limbo, as the process is yet to be completed. Consequently, existing resident doctors have been forced to take on additional shifts and responsibilities to cover for the shortfall in staff.

"The delay is leading to a massive gap in staffing, and we are being asked to work extended hours without adequate compensation," said Dr. Aditi Sharma, a third-year resident at a leading government hospital. She added that the exhaustion caused by longer shifts is affecting the quality of patient care and the well-being of healthcare workers.

Excessive Workload and Burnout

Resident doctors, who already work long hours due to the demands of their education and clinical duties, are now facing the burden of an exacerbated workload. Many are being called in for additional shifts, leading to burnout. For some, the pressure is becoming unbearable as the delay drags on with no clear timeline for resolution.

Dr. Rajesh Patel, a resident at another major hospital, expressed his concerns: "We are constantly juggling patient care and academic responsibilities. With the delay in NEET PG counselling, many of us are forced to take up even more work, which affects our ability to focus on both. This is a serious issue that needs immediate attention from the authorities."

Hospitals Strain Under Additional Pressure

Hospitals across the country are facing significant pressure as they are already stretched thin due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s lingering impact. The delay in the NEET PG counselling process has resulted in a reduced number of medical residents available to handle the increasing number of patients.

In the absence of new resident doctors, senior doctors are being required to pick up the slack, further increasing the strain on an already overburdened healthcare system. "We are doing our best to manage the situation, but the delays are not sustainable. It's putting both the healthcare workers and the patients at risk," said Dr. Amit Verma, a senior physician at a Mumbai-based hospital.

Consequences on Patient Care and Medical Education

Apart from the strain on the existing workforce, the delay in counselling also threatens to affect the overall standard of patient care. With the current resident doctors stretched to their limits, there is a growing concern that medical errors could rise, and patients may not receive the timely attention they need.

Furthermore, the prolonged delay is also impacting the education of medical students. Those waiting for their NEET PG counselling results are left uncertain about the future of their studies, causing psychological stress and uncertainty.

Government and Medical Bodies Urged to Address the Situation

The situation has prompted calls for immediate intervention from medical associations and government bodies. Medical professionals have urged the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to expedite the NEET PG counselling process to relieve the mounting pressure on healthcare workers. In addition, they are asking for better support systems and a clear communication timeline regarding the ongoing process.

Dr. Sujata Sharma, president of the Resident Doctors Association (RDA), emphasized the urgency of the matter: "This delay is creating a ripple effect across the healthcare sector. The government must take swift action to finalize the counselling process, as well as ensure that medical workers are provided with adequate resources and support to manage this situation."

Conclusion: Urgent Action Required

As the delay in NEET PG counselling continues to weigh heavily on resident doctors, t

he healthcare sector is facing a crisis of its own. The government must take immediate and decisive action to alleviate the burdens on medical professionals and address the backlog of the postgraduate medical admissions process. Until then, the overworked resident doctors will remain the backbone of an already fragile healthcare system, pushing them to their limits in order to ensure patient care and safety.