These challenges can leave burn survivors with long-lasting emotional, psychological, and physical scars—especially when disfigurement or disability is involved
Mental health support is critical for burn survivors to overcome the stigma and discrimination they often face, particularly in healthcare settings, according to a new study conducted in Uttar Pradesh.
While survival rates among burn patients have improved due to advances in medical care, survivors continue to endure psychological and social challenges that undermine their recovery. The study highlights how institutional neglect, under-resourced facilities, overburdened medical staff, and systemic issues contribute to the poor quality of care received by burn patients.
“Burn survivors, particularly women and those from poor backgrounds, often face blame, isolation, and neglect in hospitals,” said Pratishtha Singh of The George Institute for Global Health. “At the same time, overworked and under-supported healthcare staff struggle with burnout, which can lead to unintentional but harmful behaviour towards patients.”
These challenges can leave burn survivors with long-lasting emotional, psychological, and physical scars—especially when disfigurement or disability is involved. The study found that discrimination in care delivery not only worsens the trauma of burn survivors but also obstructs their access to rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Burn injuries remain a major public health concern worldwide. According to global estimates, burns cause approximately 180,000 deaths each year, with the highest burden falling on low- and middle-income countries. India alone accounts for nearly 2.1 million burn injuries, 25,000 deaths, and more than 1.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually.
Published in the peer-reviewed journal Burns, the study proposes a multi-layered approach to address these disparities through both policy and practice reforms. Key recommendations include:
·Structured training and counselling for healthcare workers to reduce stigma and provide patient-centred care, including mental health support for burn survivors.
·Curriculum updates in medical and nursing education to incorporate psychosocial aspects of burn recovery.
·Enhanced hospital-based support systems, including mental health services and rehabilitation pathways, especially within government hospitals.
·Development and enforcement of anti-discrimination policies through collaboration with government agencies, legal services, and civil society.
“Addressing both patient experiences and systemic challenges is key to building compassionate and fair burn care,” Singh emphasized.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of an integrated and empathetic approach to burn recovery—one that combines medical treatment with emotional support and addresses the systemic barriers to dignified care. Without these measures, millions of burn survivors may continue to suffer in silence, further deepening the trauma of an already life-altering injury.
