Supreme Court Calls for Reform in Inhuman Working Hours of Resident Doctors

The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the inhuman working hours of resident doctors who sometimes work up to 36-hour shifts. This issue was discussed during a case related to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. The National Task Force will review and streamline doctors' on-duty hours.

The Supreme Court has raised an alarm over the punishing work schedules of resident doctors across India, sometimes extending up to 36 hours without a break.

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud brought up the issue during a hearing on a case involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. He described these work hours as 'inhuman' and urged immediate reforms to ensure better working conditions.

The court has directed the National Task Force (NTF) to look into this matter alongside existing safety protocols for medical professionals. Diverse stakeholders, including FAIMA and the Delhi Medical Association, were invited to submit their suggestions through a portal to be established by the Ministry of Family Welfare. Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra supported these deliberations.