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New Delhi, October 2025 — The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has issued formal notices to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, over serious allegations concerning the systematic violation of duty hours and caste-based discrimination faced by postgraduate (PG) medical students in India. These issues, raised chiefly by the United Doctors Front (UDF), spotlight critical human rights and healthcare delivery concerns affecting thousands of medical trainees across the nation.
Key Developments and Complaints
The core of the dispute centers on the non-compliance with the Uniform Central Residency Scheme (1992) and the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER) 2023, which cap resident doctors’ work hours at 12 hours a day and 48 hours a week. Despite these regulations, PG doctors are reportedly forced into shifts exceeding 36 hours continuously, with some reports indicating up to 70-100 hours weekly—a practice condemned by medical professionals as unsafe and unsustainable.
Dr. Lakshya Mittal, laparoscopic and laser surgeon and UDF National President, who filed the petition with the NCSC, has raised alarm over the physical and mental toll exacted by such excessive duty hours. He highlighted that these conditions not only endanger the health and well-being of resident doctors but also compromise patient safety due to fatigue-induced errors. The allegations also include grave concerns about caste-based discrimination and harassment targeted primarily at students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has also urged urgent government intervention to address these issues, emphasizing the impact of unchecked discriminatory practices and inhumane working conditions that contribute to mental health crises, dropouts, and even suicides among marginalized PG medical students.
Official Responses and Measures
In response to the uproar, AIIMS issued an Office Memorandum on August 21, 2025, reaffirming compliance with the 12-hour daily duty limit and one weekly holiday on rotation for resident doctors, coupled with a flexible work schedule depending on workload. The memorandum advises department heads to monitor and maintain records of duty hours. However, the feasibility of implementing these standards remains contentious, given manpower shortages and systemic pressures noted by AIIMS Resident Doctors’ Association leaders.
Meanwhile, the NCSC has set strict deadlines for the Health Ministry and AIIMS to respond, warning of summons if the matter is not addressed promptly. The Supreme Court has also issued notices to the Centre and National Medical Commission (NMC) on public interest litigation (PIL) petitions challenging the exploitative work hours, underscoring the judiciary’s increasing involvement in protecting resident doctors’ rights.
Expert Perspectives
Healthcare experts not involved in the investigations underscore the risks associated with such prolonged work hours. Dr. Radhika Sen, a public health specialist, notes, “Excessive duty hours lead to physician burnout, impairment of clinical judgment, and increased risk of medical errors, directly affecting patient care outcomes. Regulations must translate into enforceable policies backed by adequate staffing” [expert interview].
Studies in medical education have shown that extended shifts exceeding 24 hours increase the likelihood of adverse events and diminish learning retention among trainees. The mental health burden, particularly in marginalized groups facing discrimination, further compounds the crisis, highlighting the need for inclusive structural reforms.
Public Health Implications
The repercussions of violating duty hour norms extend beyond the welfare of medical trainees. Fatigued doctors are less able to provide safe, quality care, posing risks to the millions of patients served daily. Ensuring that PG medical students work within prescribed limits is vital to sustaining a competent, healthy workforce essential for India’s vast healthcare demands.
Addressing caste-based discrimination is equally urgent to foster an equitable, supportive training environment. Discrimination discourages talented individuals from marginalized communities, undercuts morale, and perpetuates inequalities in health professions that should model fairness and respect.
Limitations and Counterarguments
Some health institutions argue that implementing strict duty hour caps is challenged by doctor shortages and high patient loads, particularly in tertiary government hospitals. While flexibility is necessary, allowing frequent, prolonged shifts risks undermining the original intent of the guidelines. Effective remedies will require increasing resident strength, revising hospital workflows, and enhancing monitoring systems to ensure genuine compliance.
What This Means for Readers
For patients and the public, this controversy underscores the importance of a well-regulated healthcare workforce where doctors work reasonable hours to maintain their health and provide safe care. For aspiring medical students and current trainees, the developments reflect ongoing battles for fair treatment and dignity in training environments. Policymakers, hospital administrators, and medical educators must heed these warnings to reform residency programs, balancing patient care needs with humane work conditions.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
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