Doctor Collapsed While on Hospital Rounds
Chennai: In a tragic incident, Dr. Gradlin Roy, a 39-year-old consultant cardiac surgeon at Saveetha Medical College, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a massive cardiac arrest while on hospital rounds.
According to reports, Dr Roy collapsed suddenly in the ward during duty rounds. Despite immediate medical intervention, he could not be revived. He is survived by his wife and a young son.
Spotlight on Doctor Burnout and Stress
The untimely death of the young surgeon has once again raised concerns about the demanding schedules and stress faced by medical professionals. Doctors often work 12–18 hour shifts, with emergencies and night duties stretching beyond 24 to 48 hours.
Such long hours, coupled with sleep deprivation, high stress, and irregular meals, significantly raise the risk of cardiac ailments, hypertension, mental health issues, and burnout.
Global Warnings on Overwork
Studies published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and The Lancet have repeatedly warned about the dangers of overwork. WHO estimates that long working hours contributed to 745,000 deaths from stroke and heart disease in a single year (2016), describing it as a silent global epidemic.
Medical Fraternity Mourns Loss
Following Dr Roy’s passing, several doctors took to social media to express grief and share concerns over the pressures of the profession. Many described him as a “brilliant surgeon who had just begun his independent practice.”
One doctor wrote on X:
“A doctor’s body is not immune to stress, exhaustion, and burnout. Even the best medical knowledge cannot protect us if we keep ignoring rest, balance, and mental peace. Work should never drain the very people who heal others. Rest is not laziness — it is a necessity.”
Call for Change
Dr Roy’s death serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms in the healthcare sector, ensuring that doctors — who dedicate their lives to saving others — are also protected from the consequences of relentless work pressure.
