New Delhi: A new study by The George Institute for Global Health India has identified significant gaps in how India’s health system supports burn survivors, particularly in relation to stigma and discrimination within healthcare settings. It is indicated that the research is the first global study to specifically assess stigma faced by burn patients in hospitals.
According to the study, while survival rates for burn injuries have improved with advances in medical care, the institutional neglect, under-resourced facilities, overworked staff, and systemic shortcomings continue to affect the quality of care. These issues are especially pronounced for patients with visible disfigurements, disabilities, or from marginalised backgrounds, leading to emotional, physical, and psychological distress.
The study states that burn injuries remain a major public health concern, with around 180,000 deaths globally each year—most in low- and middle-income countries. India bears the highest burden, with an estimated 2.1 million burn injuries, 25,000 deaths, and more than 1.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually.
Despite progress in emergency burn care, the study notes that long-term challenges such as social reintegration, mental health support, and persistent stigma remain largely unaddressed. Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state with over 200 million people—77.7% of whom live in rural areas—was selected for the study due to its limited health infrastructure and weaker health indicators.
The findings are based on interviews with burn survivors, healthcare providers, and legal experts. Participants highlighted issues such as lack of empathetic communication, isolation during hospitalization, and perceived discrimination based on socioeconomic status.
The researchers recommend several measures, including structured training for healthcare workers on stigma, patient-centred care, and mental health; updating medical and nursing curricula to include communication and psychosocial modules; expanding hospital-based support services; and adopting anti-discrimination policies tailored to visibly injured patients. They also stress the need for greater collaboration among government bodies, legal aid services, and civil society organisations to support the social reintegration of survivors.
The report calls for timely action to build respectful, inclusive care environments and for enhanced legal protections—particularly for acid attack survivors. Strengthening coordination among hospitals, government agencies, and communities is also highlighted as key to improving outcomes for burn patients.
The study was led by Pratishtha Singh, with Dr. Jagnoor and Dr. Vikash Ranjan Keshri of The George Institute, and co-authored by Dr. Mohammed Fahud Khurram from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, and Dr. Brijesh Mishra from King George’s Medical University, Lucknow.
