Why Indian Doctors have a Shorter Lifespan?

Doctors reduce the sufferings of others, but fail to take care of themselves. This is a tragedy.

Doctors in India have a shorter life expectancy compared to the general population, a trend highlighted by studies from the Indian Medical Association (IMA). While the average Indian life expectancy is around 70.8 years (per WHO data), studies like the IMA’s in Kerala (2007-2017) peg the mean age of death for doctors at 61.75 years, and in Pune, it’s estimated at 55-59 years. Several factors contribute to this gap, rooted in the unique pressures of the medical profession in India.

First, chronic stress is a major driver. Doctors often work 60-70 hours a week, sometimes more, especially residents and those in high-pressure specialties like emergency medicine or surgery. This relentless schedule—coupled with emotional strain from patient expectations, life-and-death decisions, and occasional violence from frustrated families—spikes cortisol levels, increasing risks of heart disease and mental health issues. A 2021 study in The Indian Journal of Ophthalmology notes that prolonged stress and burnout are linked to premature death among Indian doctors.

Second, lifestyle factors play a big role. Many doctors lead sedentary lives due to deskbound duties or long shifts, with little time for exercise. Poor diet—grabbing quick, unhealthy meals—and irregular sleep patterns further compound this. The IMA’s Kerala study found 27% of doctor deaths were due to cardiovascular diseases and 25% to cancer, both tied to these habits. Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are rampant, as noted in a 2023 Hindustan Times report citing cardiologists.

Third, doctors often neglect their own health. Despite their medical knowledge, they skip regular checkups, delay seeking care, or self-diagnose, a behavior dubbed the "unhealthy doctor paradox" in a 2017 The Hindu article. This stems partly from a culture of overwork and a reluctance to appear weak by consulting peers. A 2010 DNA India report on the IMA Pune study emphasized that doctors’ responsibility to patients often overshadows self-care.

Mental health is another silent killer. Suicide, though less common (1-2% of deaths in IMA studies), reflects deeper issues. A 2021 study on Indian medical professionals reported 358 suicides over a decade, driven by academic pressure for students, burnout for residents, and inadequacy or financial stress for seniors. In Kerala, with a general life expectancy of 74.9 years, doctors still die over a decade earlier, suggesting systemic pressures outweigh regional health advantages.

Finally, the work environment in India amplifies these risks. Poor infrastructure, staff shortages, and high patient loads—especially in government hospitals—force doctors to overextend. Violence against doctors, reported by 75% in an IMA survey, adds psychological strain. Unlike in the U.S. or UK, where doctors often outlive the general population due to better work-life balance and resources, India’s medical system squeezes its practitioners dry.

In short, the shorter life expectancy of Indian doctors—roughly 10-13 years below the national average—stems from a toxic mix of stress, unhealthy lifestyles, self-neglect, mental health struggles, and a punishing work culture. It’s a stark irony: those trained to heal others often can’t save themselves.