Our doctors need urgent care

LONG hours and the demands of the profession can make it difficult for doctors to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which can negatively impact their mental and physical health as well as the standard of care rendered to patients.

- Yogas Nair

Poor working conditions can have serious consequences for doctors, including increased risk of burn-out, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and even suicidal tendencies.

Authoritative studies have shown that long shifts and heavy workloads can lead to fatigue, reduced sleep and increased risk of errors. Doctors are leaving in droves for greener pastures abroad.

The recent death of intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in uMlazi, Durban, has brought into sharp focus the working conditions in health care in South Africa, prompting urgent calls for reform and awareness.