Health experts at a national scientific symposium warned that doctor burnout is now a widespread problem in Pakistan, with nearly 60 percent of physicians reporting exhaustion and just a fraction seeking professional help. The gathering questioned who heals the healers when the healthcare system depends on clinicians working under chronic strain.
Speakers cited international and local observations showing that suicide rates among physicians are almost double those of the general population, yet only about one third ever pursue formal mental health support. Many doctors continue to work while ill, rely on self diagnosis and delay basic medical check ups despite advising patients otherwise.
Panellists highlighted the multiple contributors to doctor burnout, including long working hours, overwhelming patient loads, chronic sleep deprivation, traffic congestion and persistent smog in big cities. Moderator Dr Saniya Javaid noted that stress is particularly acute in metropolitan centres such as Lahore, where seasonal fog and smog can intensify low mood and anxiety among healthcare staff.
Interventional cardiologist Dr M Rehan Omar Siddiqui described physician fatigue as a silent crisis that is now clearly visible in Pakistan. He emphasised the need for doctors to prioritise self care, using the airline oxygen mask analogy to explain that clinicians must secure their own wellbeing before they can safely care for others. A healthy doctor provides better care, and maintaining wellbeing is a professional responsibility.
Dr Siddiqui urged practical steps including adequate sleep, daily physical activity, balanced nutrition, mindful practices and routine medical care, while calling on hospital leadership to enforce realistic workloads, promote teamwork and delegate tasks to protect staff health. He warned that a culture that celebrates endurance and a so called superhuman mindset prevents many physicians from admitting vulnerability.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Kulsoom Haider underlined the close link between mental and physical health, explaining that untreated emotional distress often manifests as physical illness and can even lead to stress induced cardiac injury. She recommended simple daily habits for emotional regulation, such as controlled breathing, emotional labelling and gratitude practices to restore balance.
During discussion, Dr Mimpal Singh observed that many doctors forget to live their own lives while caring for others, and Dr Madiha Sanai stressed that positive thinking and emotional awareness sustain resilience. Khawaja Ahad Uddin of Hudson Pharma affirmed support for continuous medical education and physician wellbeing through the Mediverse initiative, warning that without urgent measures to address doctor burnout the sustainability and quality of healthcare in Pakistan will remain at risk.
