Bengaluru: In a heartbreaking incident, a former senior resident doctor from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, passed away after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest in Bengaluru. The doctor, identified as Dr Naveen Kumar, was in his 30s and had married just two years ago.
A Brilliant and Compassionate Doctor
Dr Naveen was known for his humility, brilliance, and deep commitment to patient care. Colleagues remember him as a compassionate and dedicated professional who always placed his patients’ well-being first.
Medical Fraternity in Shock
The sudden loss has devastated the medical community. Sharing the news on X (formerly Twitter), a fellow doctor wrote an emotional tribute, saying, “Gone too soon… It’s heartbreaking to see such a pure soul leave so early. Doctors save countless lives, yet often lose their own far too soon.” His passing has left colleagues, friends, and former patients in disbelief.
Rising Trend of Cardiac Arrest Among Young Doctors
This tragedy comes amid a concerning rise in sudden cardiac deaths among young doctors across the country. Medical Dialogues recently highlighted the alarming trend, noting several similar deaths in recent weeks.
Associate Professor Dies at 42
Just days earlier, an associate professor from the cardiology department at Manakula Vinayaga Medical College succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 42. The incident further intensified discussions around the mounting health risks faced by medical professionals.
Other Young Doctors Lost to Cardiac Arrest
The list of recent victims includes a critical care specialist and an anaesthesia expert, both of whom died in their late 30s and early 40s. In another tragic case, a cardiac surgeon collapsed and passed away during hospital rounds due to a massive cardiac arrest.
Experts Point to Work Stress and Lifestyle Pressures
Health experts believe the spike in early cardiac events among doctors is linked to relentless work demands. Long shifts, extreme stress, chronic sleep deprivation, and unhealthy lifestyle patterns common in the medical profession are seen as major contributing factors.
Call for Urgent Focus on Doctors’ Well-Being
The series of sudden deaths has reignited debate on the urgent need to safeguard doctors’ health. Medical bodies and senior practitioners are urging institutions to implement better work-life balance, regular health screenings, and mental-health support systems to prevent further tragedies.