Resident doctors across India are raising their voices against inhuman 36-hour shifts that are severely affecting their mental health, physical well-being, and patient care. Under the United Doctors Front (UDF), doctors have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the strict enforcement of fixed duty hours through a Uniform Residency Scheme.
What Are the Doctors Demanding?
Doctors are urging the government to implement the 1992 directives of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), which clearly state that:
✅ Resident doctors should work only 48 hours per week
✅ Shifts should not exceed 12 hours at a stretch
Despite these clear guidelines, many medical colleges and hospitals force resident doctors to work beyond humane limits, leading to severe exhaustion, stress, and reduced efficiency in patient care.
Why Fixed Duty Hours Are Important?
📌 Mental & Physical Health Risks: Long duty hours contribute to burnout, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal tendencies among doctors. The 2024 National Task Force (NMC) on Mental Health of Resident Doctors has flagged these excessive working hours as a serious concern.
📌 Patient Safety at Risk: Exhausted doctors make more mistakes, which can lead to medical errors and compromised healthcare quality for patients.
📌 Tragic Consequences: A horrifying incident at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata, where a female resident doctor was raped and murdered after a 36-hour duty, has once again highlighted the urgent need for change.
Government & Court Directives Being Ignored
The Supreme Court of India, in its 1987 ruling, directed the introduction of a Uniform Residency Scheme by 1993 for PG medical students. Based on this judgment, the government issued a directive in 1992, but most institutions continue to ignore these rules.
Even though AIIMS reiterated the 1992 guidelines in 2020 and the Karnataka Government reminded medical colleges in 2024 to comply, many institutions are still forcing doctors to work excessive hours.
What Needs to Be Done?
Doctors under UDF are demanding:
🔹 Immediate nationwide enforcement of 1992 MoHFW directives
🔹 Mandatory annual affidavits from medical institutions ensuring compliance
🔹 Public display of duty-hour regulations in every medical college
🔹 Strict penalties for medical colleges violating the rules
Join the Fight for Fair Working Hours!
It’s time to put an end to inhuman work conditions for resident doctors. We urge PM Modi, the National Medical Commission (NMC), and all state governments to take immediate action.
📝 Sign the petition to demand fixed duty hours for doctors!
📢 Share this with your fellow doctors and raise your voice!
🔴 Doctors deserve dignity, respect, and humane working hours. It’s time for a change!
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