New Delhi:
In a major development that could reshape the working conditions of resident doctors across India, the United Doctors’ Front (UDF) has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, seeking urgent intervention against exploitative duty hours in medical institutions.
Filed through advocates Satyam Singh and Neema, the PIL challenges what it calls the “unconstitutional and inhumane” work conditions imposed on resident doctors, and urges the Apex Court to enforce long-ignored directives under the Central Residency Scheme, 1992 — which limits duty to 12 hours per day and 48 hours per week.
Key Demands in the PIL:
- Strict implementation of the 1992 directive on work hours for resident doctors.
- Preparation of duty rosters that respect doctors’ psychological and physical limits.
- Establishment of enforcement mechanisms to monitor and ensure compliance.
Mental Health Crisis in Focus:
The plea cites the NMC’s National Task Force report which documented over 150 suicides among medical students in five years, attributing many to chronic overwork, sleep deprivation, and stress. A UDF-Medical Dialogues survey revealed that:
- 86% of young doctors link excessive hours to poor mental health and patient safety issues.
- 62% work over 72 hours per week, many without a weekly day off.
Government Action & Ongoing Talks:
The PIL comes at a time when the Central Government is reviewing the Central Residency Scheme for the first time in 33 years. The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has reportedly agreed in principle to limit duty hours to 48 hours per week, though no final decision has been made yet.
UDF National President Dr. Lakshya Mittal noted, “Resident doctors are routinely working 70-100 hours weekly. This not only impacts their well-being but seriously compromises patient safety.”
Legal and Constitutional Context:
Referring to the Supreme Court’s own observations in the RG Kar Medical College case, where it described resident doctors’ work conditions as “inhuman”, the PIL asserts that Article 21 — Right to Life with Dignity — is being violated.
Advocate Satyam Singh added, “This case is about more than just labor rights. It is a battle for dignity, mental health, and the safety of doctors and patients alike.”
What’s Next:
The matter is expected to be listed before the Supreme Court in the coming weeks. If the court grants relief, it could lead to historic reforms in medical residency programs and set a national precedent for regulated duty hours in healthcare.
