Karachi: Two public sector doctors in Tharparkar have committed suicides within a week, triggering serious concern among the medical community and drawing attention to the harsh working conditions, administrative pressures and lack of mental health support faced by healthcare professionals in Sindh.
Dr Abdul Karim Shaikh from Mithi, an employee of the Sindh health department, and Dr Rahul Meghwar from Islamkot, who was associated with the People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI), died in separate incidents that have shocked colleagues across the province, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) claimed on Wednesday.
Doctors say these incidents are not isolated but reflect deeper structural issues in remote districts like Tharparkar, where public sector healthcare workers operate under extreme pressure with limited resources and support.
Professional isolation is a major challenge. Many doctors are posted in far flung areas with little access to senior guidance, specialist backup or referral systems, forcing them to manage complex cases on their own while dealing with emotional stress.
Workload is another critical factor. Due to persistent staff shortages, a small number of doctors are responsible for large populations, often working extended shifts that can exceed 24 hours, leading to exhaustion and burnout.
Administrative pressure has also been widely reported. Doctors in the public sector frequently complain of strict oversight by non medical administrators, performance related stress and, in some cases, harassment, particularly in systems like PPHI. Many say they are held accountable without being given adequate authority or resources.
Financial and career uncertainties add to the burden. Young doctors often face low salaries, delays in payments and limited opportunities for training and advancement, especially in rural postings, which contributes to frustration and anxiety about their future.
Mental health support remains largely absent. There are no formal systems to identify or address depression, anxiety or burnout among doctors, and stigma around seeking help further discourages them from accessing whatever limited support may exist.
Female doctors working in remote areas have also raised concerns about safety, accommodation and workplace harassment, making already difficult working conditions even more challenging.
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has termed the recent deaths a reflection of institutional failure and has called for a high level inquiry into the incidents, along with reforms to improve working conditions and accountability within the healthcare system.
Health experts warn that unless urgent steps are taken to address these systemic issues, including providing psychological support, improving governance and ensuring safer working environments, more healthcare professionals could be at risk.
The back to back deaths in Tharparkar have exposed a growing but often overlooked crisis, where doctors serving some of the most vulnerable populations are themselves struggling to cope under mounting pressure.