Feb 19 • 10:14 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

The number of doctors seeking help for illnesses grows by 13%: most are women due to mental health issues

There has been a 13% increase in the number of doctors requesting assistance for health issues, primarily related to mental health, with a significant proportion being women.

The latest report from the Organización Médica Colegial indicates a 13% increase in the number of doctors seeking help for health-related issues, reaching a historical high of 1,933 cases in the 2023-2024 period. This marks the highest number of consultations since these reports began in 2011. A large percentage of these health problems are linked to the medical profession's environment and workplace conditions. Tomás Cobo, the president of the medical organization, emphasizes that these issues often stem from both purely workplace-related factors and mixed circumstances.

Cobo points out the importance of identifying these problems early and facilitating the reintegration of affected doctors back into the workplace, which is crucial for ensuring clinical safety. The increase in requests for assistance highlights a growing acknowledgment among medical professionals regarding mental health issues, particularly among women. This trend may reflect a broader cultural shift in how mental health is perceived and addressed within the medical community, signaling the need for more supportive measures aimed at healthcare providers.

As the pressures of the medical profession continue to mount, especially post-pandemic, the findings stress the urgency for healthcare systems to prioritize mental health support for their practitioners. Improved conditions and targeted programs like the PAIME are essential steps towards helping doctors manage their health while maintaining their ability to serve patients effectively.

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