Guwahati: The death of a doctor while on duty at Nemcare Hospital in Guwahati on Wednesday has raised fresh questions about mental well-being among professionals working in high-pressure environments.
The deceased doctor was identified as Dr Prayas Singhal, who was working in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). According to hospital authorities, Dr Singhal was on duty on the second floor of the hospital’s new building when he was later found unconscious.
Nemcare Hospital owner Dr Hitesh Baruah said Dr Singhal had earlier complained of stomach pain and had taken an injection. He was also resting in a room with an IV cannula. He was later found unconscious and was declared dead by doctors.
Police reached the hospital after receiving information about the incident and began an investigation. The CID team has also visited the spot and started examining the circumstances surrounding the death.
There is an initial suspicion that Dr Singhal may have died after administering medication to himself through an intravenous route. However, the exact cause and circumstances of his death are yet to be established and will depend on the ongoing investigation.
The incident has also brought attention to the growing importance of mental health support for people working in demanding professions.
Doctors, police personnel, civil servants and engineers often work under long hours, heavy responsibilities and difficult situations. Along with professional pressure, they may also face personal and family-related challenges. However, the reasons behind an individual’s actions can be different in every case and should not be assumed without proper investigation.
In recent years, Assam has witnessed several tragic deaths involving people in high-responsibility positions.
On August 27, 2026, Assam Police personnel Parikshit Baishya, who was serving as the personal security officer of a senior IAS officer, was found dead at the CID residential complex in Basistha, Guwahati. The preliminary investigation suspected suicide.
In June 2024, IPS officer Shiladitya Chetia died by suicide. The incident came shortly after the death of his wife following a prolonged illness.
In July 2025, the death of ACS officer Tridip Kumar Konwar, then serving as Kamrup Metropolitan Deputy Commissioner, also raised concerns. A note reportedly left by him referred to severe mental stress and asked that no one be held responsible for his death.
That same month, the death of PWD engineer Joshita Das in Bongaigaon also brought attention to workplace pressure. A note reportedly left by her referred to alleged pressure related to official work and bill approvals.
These incidents were different in nature. Some involved personal or family circumstances, while others included references to workplace stress. In some cases, the exact circumstances remain subject to investigation.
The investigation into Dr Singhal’s death will establish what exactly happened. At the same time, the incident serves as a reminder that professional responsibility must be accompanied by adequate care for the mental well-being of those carrying that responsibility.
