Hyderabad: OGH PG student dies by suicide, doctors seek mental health focus

A postgraduate medical student at Osmania General Hospital died by suicide, triggering concern among doctors in Hyderabad. Medical associations have urged authorities to prioritise mental health support, citing stress, long working hours and lack of emotional support for trainees.

Hyderabad: A first-year postgraduate medical student of Osmania General Hospital (OGH), Dr Suresh Katravath, died by suicide in his hostel room on the medical college and hospital campus on Thursday.

Hailing from the Department of General Surgery at Osmania General Hospital (OGH), the death of Dr Suresh Katravath is being attributed to mental health fatigue.

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The incident has sent shockwaves through the medical fraternity in Hyderabad. Stunned by the development, his friends, colleagues and associations representing doctors called on the authorities to prioritise the mental health and emotional well-being of medical professionals.

Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), Telangana, said, “This unfortunate incident underscores the urgent need to prioritise mental health and emotional well-being among medical professionals. Doctors, especially PG trainees, often face intense emotional stress, long hours and high expectations, which can silently take a toll on their mental health,” president, HRDA, Dr Karthik Nagula said.

There is a need for a concerted effort to promote awareness about mental health among doctors, encourage open conversations without fear of stigma, ensure timely access to professional psychological support and counselling, and build a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness, HRDA said.

It is crucial that mental health is given equal importance as physical health within the medical community. Early recognition, support and intervention can make a significant difference and help prevent such tragedies, HRDA added.