11/12/2025
Our Research Article had been highlighted in today’s leading Bengali daily- Ei Samay
The Silent Struggle of India’s Doctors: New Study Reveals Health Woes Behind the White Coat
Doctors dedicate their lives to healing others. But who heals the healers?
A newly published study in the Journal of Mid-life Health has brought forth an unsettling truth: a large number of Indian physicians—those entrusted with our well-being—are themselves grappling with lifestyle-related illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Despite having vast medical knowledge at their fingertips, many doctors are struggling with self-care, revealing a paradox at the heart of our healthcare system.
A Snapshot of Physician Health in India
The study surveyed 265 practicing physicians from across India and found:
- 47.9% suffer from high blood pressure, and only 63% have it under control.
- 23% live with diabetes, yet regular testing remains inconsistent.
- 21.5% report thyroid disorders, predominantly hypothyroidism.
- 11.7% never exercise, and 30.2% occasionally drink alcohol.
- 43% had elevated LDL cholesterol, a major heart risk factor.
- Shockingly, nearly 1 in 20 doctors had never checked their HbA1c—a key marker for diabetes control.
Even more concerning, physicians with chronic conditions like coronary artery disease and insomnia were not uncommon, and nearly half of those with heart disease were not under treatment.
Spiritual Reflection from the Investigator
Dr. Shambo Samrat Samajdar, offered a poignant reflection:
"The Kena Upanishad asks: ‘Who sends the mind to wander? Who first harnessed breath?’—reminding us that true control begins within. The Bhagavad Gita speaks of the self as both the friend and enemy of the self. In our profession, we speak of healing others, but forget that the healer too is human—vulnerable to the same laws of nature, stress, and entropy. This study is not just data—it’s a mirror. A call to re-align our knowledge with our actions, and restore balance between our dharma of healing others and the duty of caring for ourselves."
Commentary from Study Co-researchers
Dr. Prabhat Kumar Agrawal, co-author and physician at Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra, noted:
“Nearly half of our colleagues have hypertension, and one in five have diabetes. These numbers are not just statistics—they’re a wake-up call. As a society, we must support doctors with structured wellness programs and regular health checks, just like we do for patients.”
Dr. Nagendra Kumar
Singh, from the Diabetes and Heart Research Centre, Dhanbad, added:
“Our profession demands long hours, emotional resilience, and mental sharpness—but we are paying a price. This study shows that lifestyle diseases are not sparing doctors. It’s time institutions make physician wellness a policy priority.”
Why It Matters
Doctors often put patient care above their own needs. They skip meals, ignore symptoms, and delay checkups. But unchecked stress, erratic routines, and poor sleep are silently fueling chronic diseases—right inside hospital corridors.
These findings are more than personal health metrics—they affect public health, medical workforce efficiency, and patient trust. A doctor struggling with their own health may be less effective in delivering consistent, compassionate care.
What Needs to Change?
The study calls for:
- Mandatory annual health checkups for physicians
- Self-care education in medical training
- Digital health tracking tools tailored for clinicians
- Workplace wellness policies embedded in hospital culture
Such steps can help doctors practice what they preach—healthy living.
A Gentle Reminder
This study is a gentle reminder that even our most trusted healers are not immune to life's imbalances. As the Gita teaches, "Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." In healing themselves, physicians not only find wellness—they lead by example.
Full study published in the Journal of Mid-life Health, December 2025: https://journals.lww.com/jomh/fulltext/2025/10000/lifestyle_behaviors,_comorbidity_patterns,_and.16.aspx
