PGIMER doctor suicide: He kept seeking help, but nobody listened
A day after a 24-year-old junior resident at the PGIMER (Chandigarh) killed himself, his mother expressed regret for not paying attention to his distress. Dr Krishnaprasath Ramasamy, who joined the institute two months ago, had told his parents he was finding it hard to cope and wanted to return home. But they didn't listen. Two days ago, he hung himself in his hostel room.
The topper had joined PGIMER less than two months ago
Ramasamy, one of the top rankers in AIIMS and JIPMER tests, had joined PGIMER in January. He was posted in general medicine, but couldn't handle the pressure in emergency and shifted to radiology two weeks ago. On Monday, he didn't report to duty and didn't answer calls either. When others finally broke down his hostel room door, they found him hanging from the fan.
Despite being stressed, Ramasamy had no psychiatric help
Ramasamy was depressed and was having trouble adjusting, other resident doctors said. They tried to help by taking him for outings. No one suggested psychiatric help as "we all thought that he would be able to cope with the stress."
He had reached out to family a day before suicide
Meanwhile, he kept telling his parents he was distressed, but they told him to give his new life sometime. One of his issues was the language barrier; he was apparently having trouble with Hindi. Just a day before committing suicide, he had the same conversation with his parents, but they again convinced him to stay. "I should have called him back," his mother rued.
Second doctor's suicide at PGIMER in 17 months
This is the second suicide at PGIMER in 17 months. In September'16, 31-year-old junior resident Dr Sunil Chandel, hailing from Mandi, had killed himself. He was also reportedly suffering from depression.
Help available, but stigma keeps doctors away from reaching out
PGIMER has a helpline for doctors in distress (7087008700), but an HT survey found that only one in 10 doctors had the number. A senior doctor said the number is given to everyone when they join, but "many decide against visiting the psychiatry department because of stigma." A possible reason might be that those who call are given easier postings without consent, he added.
