Doctors’ Day 2026-Why Indian doctors die early

Wishing all doctors a very Happy Doctor’s Day – 2026.

Must-do’s for Doctors:

■ Incorporate regular physical activity — walking, yoga, breathing exercises — into daily routines.

■ Ensure 7–8 hours of quality sleep.

■ Adopt a mindful diet: reduce excessive carbohydrates, high-fat foods, and fast food.

■ Undergo regular health check-ups to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body weight.

Metro India News | Hyderabad :

Even after 4.5 billion years since the birth of the Earth and nearly 7 million years since the evolution of primates, the human body continues to amaze and challenge the human mind. Medicine has become an ever-evolving, rapidly expanding, and increasingly complex field — perhaps even more complex than rocket science. Despite abundant information and academic advancements, doctors remain clueless about many mysteries of the human body. Historically, healing began as an art — The art of healing.

National Doctors’ Day

India celebrates Doctors’ Day every year on 1st July to honor the medical profession. This date holds special significance as it marks both the birth and death anniversary of the legendary physician Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (fondly known as B.C. Roy). Born on 1 July 1882 and passing away on 1 July 1962, Dr. Roy served as Chief Minister of West Bengal and made extraordinary contributions to healthcare and society. Healthcare has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades.

Rapid advancements in medical research, new drugs, modern diagnostic tools, telemedicine, electronic health records, mobile applications, robotic surgeries, and AI-assisted care have made healthcare more accurate, efficient, and patient-centered. These innovations now reach even remote areas. Organ transplantation, joint replacements, and advanced therapies are adding both years to life and life to those years. India faces a significant burden of cardiovascular diseases due to smaller coronary arteries, higher prevalence of risk factors and distinctive metabolic patterns.

Why Indian doctors die early

Today’s doctors lead extremely demanding and stressful lives. Long working hours, night duties, emergency calls, and constant pressure from patients and families take a heavy toll.Studies reveal concerning trends. An Indian Medical Association (IMA) study in Kerala found that Indian doctors die 10 to 13 years earlier than non-doctors. Similar patterns have been observed in other regions. The majority of deaths are due to heart-related diseases, followed by infections such as TB, COVID-19, Hepatitis B and C. 

Unlike in Western countries, where doctors often live longer than the general population due to regulated working hours and better self-care, Indian doctors operate without official caps on working hours. A significant percentage of doctors also suffer from hypertension and diabetes. Cancer prevalence is higher among doctors than the general population, with brain cancers being prominent. Awareness of cervical cancer prevention is high, yet few practice the recommended strategies.  Chronic sleep deprivation, stress-induced hormonal imbalance, weakened immunity, and inflammation further damage health.

Self-protection and prevention

As healthcare providers, doctors must also care for themselves. Those who protect their health are better equipped to protect others. Strict adherence to preventive measures is essential. Radiologists, in particular, should follow rigorous radiation protection protocols and undergo frequent cancer screenings. On this Doctors’ Day, it is a sincere request to all doctors: priorities your own health.

On this Doctors’ Day, a heartfelt salute to all Indian doctors who dedicate their lives to healing others.

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love for humanity.”

Dr. S. Vijay Mohan

MBBS, MD, FCGP, FAMS(IMA), FICP, MACP(USA)

HOD & Sr Consultant Physician, Kamineni Hospitals, King Koti

Professor Emerites, Kamineni Academy Of Medical Sciences & Research

Visiting Professor, USA(Virginia & Missouri)