‘Workload has become unbearable’: Resident doctors struggle as NEET PG counselling delays double their workload

 'Workload Has Become Unbearable': Resident Doctors Struggle as NEET PG Counselling Delays Double Their Workload

Introduction
The healthcare system is currently under strain as resident doctors across the country are grappling with increasing workloads due to significant delays in the NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate) counselling process. With the academic year already underway, these delays have led to an overwhelming burden on the existing medical staff. As a result, healthcare professionals, especially those working in government hospitals, are now facing an unsustainable workload, affecting their well-being and the quality of patient care.

NEET PG Counselling Delays: The Root of the Crisis
The NEET PG counselling process, which typically begins soon after the results are declared, has been delayed by several months this year. This delay in counselling has caused a backlog in the admission process, leaving many medical institutions short of the required number of postgraduate doctors. As a result, resident doctors already in the system are being forced to take on more responsibilities to cover for the vacant positions.

The delay has meant that many resident doctors, who are typically employed for specific years of post-graduate education, are being asked to continue working longer than anticipated. With the backlog of admissions yet to be processed, the demand for their services has dramatically increased. This situation has exacerbated the pressure on these professionals, leading to burnout and exhaustion.

Double the Workload, Same Pay
The crux of the issue lies in the increase in workload without a corresponding increase in remuneration or manpower. Resident doctors who were initially employed to work a specific number of hours and on particular assignments are now being stretched thin. Many are working double shifts, covering additional departments, and even taking on tasks meant for the soon-to-be-admitted doctors. This has led to a growing sense of frustration and exhaustion among these healthcare professionals.

"I am currently working 16 to 18 hours a day to manage the increasing number of patients, and there’s no end in sight. The NEET PG counselling delays have directly impacted my ability to focus on my studies, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a work-life balance," said Dr. Anjali, a resident doctor at a prominent government hospital in Delhi.

The situation is further compounded by the fact that these doctors are paid relatively low salaries for the amount of work they put in. Despite working under intense pressure, they receive little to no additional compensation for the extra hours and responsibilities they are now shouldering.

Impact on Mental Health and Well-being
The mental and physical toll on resident doctors has been severe. Long working hours, coupled with the stress of the ongoing pandemic and the uncertainty of their future due to counselling delays, are taking a serious toll on their health. Several doctors have reported signs of burnout, stress, and anxiety, leading to concerns about their long-term well-being.

“The constant pressure to perform under these conditions is breaking me down. I have no time to recover from the daily stress of work. The NEET PG counselling delay has affected not only my career progression but also my personal life,” said Dr. Ravi, a resident doctor in Mumbai.

Mental health experts have warned that the prolonged stress faced by these medical professionals could have serious consequences for both their personal lives and the healthcare system as a whole. The lack of adequate rest and support is only exacerbating the problem, making it even more challenging for these doctors to provide the high level of care expected of them.

Calls for Immediate Action
As the situation worsens, calls are growing for immediate action from both the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and medical institutions to address the backlog in NEET PG counselling. Medical professionals are urging the government to expedite the counselling process to relieve the pressure on resident doctors and ensure that the healthcare system operates smoothly.

There are also increasing demands for better remuneration and more support for resident doctors to help manage their heavy workloads. Various doctors' associations have organized protests and submitted petitions to the government, stressing the urgent need for intervention.

Conclusion
The delay in NEET PG counselling has highlighted the vulnerability of resident doctors, who are at the forefront of the healthcare system. Their struggle for a balanced workload, fair compensation, and mental well-being remains a critical issue. As the situation stands, it is essential for the authorities to address the crisis without further delay, not only to ensure the proper functioning of the healthcare system but also to protect the mental and physical health of those who serve it. The unbearable workload that resident doctors are currently facing is unsustainable, and timely intervention is needed to avert a larger crisis in the healthcare sector.