New Delhi: In a major step to combat rising stress and suicide cases among medical professionals, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has launched a 365-day Mental Health Redressal Helpline (MHRH). The initiative is designed to provide confidential psychological support to doctors, medical students, and healthcare workers across India.
Helpline to Operate 20 Hours Daily
The helpline will remain available 20 hours a day, seven days a week, and will be managed by a dedicated team of psychiatrists. It aims to ensure timely, professional, and confidential mental health care for medical professionals struggling with stress, burnout, and depression.
Addressing Rising Suicide Cases
The initiative comes amid a disturbing rise in suicide cases among doctors and students, often attributed to long working hours, academic pressure, and mental fatigue. Recent incidents, such as the suicide of a PG medico at Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences, have intensified calls for urgent interventions in the sector.
Multilingual Support Across India
FAIMA has released a list of psychiatrists, along with contact details, who will be available on rotation throughout the year. Experts represent different regions of India and can communicate in English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, and Kannada, making the helpline widely accessible.
FAIMA’s Commitment to Doctors’ Well-Being
Calling the initiative “one-of-its-kind,” FAIMA emphasized its holistic approach:
“Dear Doctors, You Are Not Alone. FAIMA stands with every medico facing stress, burnout, or silent struggles. A safe, confidential space where help and hope are just a call away,” the association said in a statement.
Leadership Speaks on the Initiative
Dr. Akshay Dongardive, National President of FAIMA, described the helpline as a flagship effort:
“The well-being of doctors is as important as the care they provide to patients. The MHRH is a major step forward in building a supportive ecosystem for our residents, promoting resilience, and ensuring that no doctor feels alone in their struggles.”
