A recent survey has reported that more than 91% of doctors in India would discourage their children from choosing medicine as a career. The finding highlights widespread professional dissatisfaction and raises questions about the sustainability of the country’s healthcare workforce.
The study, conducted by the Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation over six months, surveyed more than 1,200 physicians from metropolitan areas and smaller cities across India. According to the report, 91.4% of respondents said they would actively advise their children not to enter the medical profession.
The respondents included doctors from both public and private healthcare sectors and from multiple specialties such as general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and gynecology.
The findings were reported in February 2026 by national media outlets, reflecting concerns emerging across the Indian medical community.
The survey identified several key stressors driving this sentiment.
A significant proportion of doctors reported high levels of burnout in the past year. Researchers noted that persistent workload pressure has created ongoing professional anxiety among practitioners.
Fear of verbal or physical assault from patients or their relatives emerged as a major concern. Previous data from the Indian Medical Association has indicated that about 75% of doctors in India have faced some form of workplace violence.
Such safety concerns contribute to defensive medical practice and job dissatisfaction.
Many respondents reported anxiety related to medico-legal complaints. The survey noted that legal risks have become a routine part of medical practice, increasing stress levels among physicians.
Doctors in the survey also reported that public trust in the profession has declined in recent years, leading to feelings of being undervalued and inadequately protected.
The report suggested that distress levels among Indian doctors may be higher than in some international settings. Researchers referenced global studies indicating relatively lower rates of depression and stress-related career reconsideration among physicians in certain high-income countries.
Experts involved in the study warned that the findings reflect not only an individual mental health concern but also a potential workforce challenge. If fewer young people enter medicine while experienced doctors experience burnout, the gap between healthcare demand and workforce supply could widen.
India already faces high patient loads and uneven doctor distribution, particularly in rural areas. Sustained dissatisfaction within the profession may affect retention, morale, and long-term system capacity.
The survey shows a clear pattern: a large majority of Indian doctors currently feel hesitant about recommending their profession to the next generation. The reasons cited—burnout, workplace violence, legal stress, and perceived erosion of trust—point to structural pressures within the healthcare environment.
Addressing these factors will be important for maintaining a stable and motivated medical workforce in the coming years.
(Rh/SS)
