Healthcare is among the most demanding professions, exerting continuous pressure on its workforce. Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals are integral to the medical system and consistently prioritize patient care. This dedication frequently leads to the neglect of their own mental and emotional health, resulting in significant adverse outcomes.
For instance, a recent American Nurses Association survey reported that over 70% of nurses experienced stress or felt overwhelmed multiple times per week, underscoring the prevalence of mental health challenges in the sector.
(“Nurses are in crisis. Here’s how bad it is, in 6 charts.”, 2021)
Unique Mental Health Challenges in Pakistan
Mental health issues among healthcare workers are a global concern; however, professionals in Pakistan face distinct challenges. The healthcare system frequently suffers from understaffing, reliance on outdated equipment, and insufficient mental health services.
Extended working hours, repeated exposure to trauma, and significant responsibilities with limited resources further exacerbate these difficulties. Additionally, cultural stigma discourages many from seeking assistance, as mental health concerns are often perceived as a sign of weakness, resulting in underreporting and inadequate support.
Recent studies from Pakistan have shown that a large proportion of doctors experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and burnout. (Khurshied, 2020)
According to a 2023 survey published in the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, over 60% of resident doctors in major hospitals reported moderate to severe levels of stress, and nearly half acknowledged experiencing symptoms of depression. (Mazhar, 2025)
In addition to occupational stress, many doctors in Pakistan contend with financial instability, job insecurity, and, at times, threats to their personal safety. These factors further increase their vulnerability to mental health disorders.
Healthcare institutions in Pakistan must make mental health resources more accessible and support open conversations about well-being. This involves a phased approach:
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Needs assessment – Identify specific areas requiring support.
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Pilot programs – Test strategies such as confidential counseling, peer support groups, and workshops.
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Scaling up – Establish a mental health task force to ensure lasting improvements and effective policies.
There is growing acknowledgment of the urgent need to address elevated levels of anxiety and burnout among healthcare professionals, driven by extended work shifts, excessive patient loads, and the emotional demands of caring for critically ill patients.
Unpacking the Sources of Stress
Healthcare professionals encounter a distinct set of stressors:
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Unpredictable situations requiring rapid decisions with life-altering consequences.
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Administrative burdens, including paperwork and evolving regulations.
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Emotional demands, such as caring for patients in pain or at the end of life, which can cause compassion fatigue.
Burnout
Burnout is a complex phenomenon marked by:
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Emotional exhaustion
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Feelings of depersonalization
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Diminished sense of personal achievement
(“Burnout and psychological distress among Pakistani nurses providing care to COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional study”, 2022)
Studies indicate that 30% to 50% of healthcare professionals report symptoms of burnout. (Tahir, 2024)
This jeopardizes both healthcare workers and the system itself, leading to compromised patient care, medical errors, and a negative cycle of disengagement.
Organizational Impact
Healthcare organizations face:
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Elevated absenteeism
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Higher staff turnover
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Legal risks from substandard care
Example: A study at Lahore General Hospital documented a 25% increase in staff turnover due to mental health issues in the past two years.
Hospitals with robust mental health support experienced a 30% reduction in absenteeism. (Pakistan Medical Association)
The Mental Health Crisis
In recent years, Pakistan’s healthcare system has faced:
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Extended working hours
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Inadequate compensation
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Few postgraduate opportunities
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Rising living expenses
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Declining social and personal security
This has caused large-scale migration of young doctors and nurses, creating a dual burden:
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Remaining staff face heavier workloads
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Migrants bear emotional and financial challenges
An Alarming Brain Drain
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2023: ~2,500 doctors migrated abroad
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2019–Aug 2024: ~13,500 doctors left Pakistan
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1971–2022: 31,418 doctors, 12,853 nurses, 5,839 pharmacists emigrated
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2023 total: Over 45,000 highly skilled professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists) left Pakistan
(JPMA 2024; PubMed 2023; The News International 2024)
Push Factors: Why They Leave
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Financial instability – Junior doctors earn only 30–35,000 PKR/month.
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Overwork – Grueling 36-hour shifts.
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Limited career growth – Few postgraduate seats, mentorship, or research opportunities.
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Security & infrastructure – Violence, instability, and poor social security.
The Human and Social Cost
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Families separated due to migration pressures.
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Female doctors face additional barriers: many graduate but remain unemployed or leave due to restrictive norms.
A Vicious Cycle
Every migration increases the workload for remaining staff and reduces mentorship opportunities, pushing more to leave. This erodes the return on Pakistan’s investment in medical education.
Advancing Toward a Stronger Healthcare Landscape
Building a healthier workplace for healthcare professionals requires:
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Workload and Time Pressures
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High patient-doctor ratios and staff shortages.
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Emotional Challenges
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Secondary trauma and compassion fatigue.
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Environmental Factors
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Overcrowded facilities, limited resources, poor infrastructure.
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Culture of Support and Dialogue
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Reduce stigma and normalize seeking help.
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Solutions for Addressing Mental Health Challenges
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Hire more staff to reduce workload.
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Flexible schedules to balance personal and professional lives.
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Peer support and counseling for emotional needs.
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Encourage open discussions to build transparency and reduce stigma.
Conclusion
Healthcare leaders, policymakers, and professionals should:
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Develop confidential, accessible resources
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Foster open dialogue through counseling and workshops
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Advocate for national funding
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Launch anti-stigma campaigns
With measurable, sustained actions, Pakistan can strengthen the resilience of both its healthcare workers and its healthcare system.
References
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“Breaking down barriers; unravelling the root causes and effects of brain drain in Pakistan.” Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association (JPMA), Nov 2024.
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PubMed 2023 (PMID 37492337); Europe PMC (PMC10364271).
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“Brain drain – a national crisis in slow motion.” The News International, 2024.
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Dunya News TV and MM News, 2023–2024 migration reports.
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Nurses are in crisis. Here's how bad it is, in 6 charts. (2021). American Nurses Foundation.
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Khurshied, Saleh; Hisam, Aliya; Khurshid, Nawal; Khurshid, Madiha (2020). Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 36.
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Mazhar, M., Billia, N., Arman, A., Ahmed, S. (2025). Khyber Journal of Medical Sciences, 17.
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Burnout and psychological distress among Pakistani nurses providing care to COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional study. (2022).
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Tahir, M Uzair; Nawaz, Huma; Arshad, Hira; Ain, Hoor ul; Ahmed, Maaz; Khan, Ramsha Mushtaq; Tufail, Muhammad (2024). Journal of Society of Prevention.
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Mental health absences adding to NHS staffing crisis. (2024). UNISON survey.