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New Delhi, July 6, 2025 — The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has formally urged the Union Health Ministry to intervene in the ongoing issues of excessive duty hours and caste-based discrimination faced by postgraduate (PG) medical students, particularly those from marginalized communities such as SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The move follows a detailed representation submitted by the United Doctors Front (UDF) on June 28, 2025. The UDF highlighted that, despite existing government regulations, many PG medical students continue to endure inhumane working conditions, with shifts often exceeding 36 hours without adequate rest. The representation also raised serious concerns about violations of the Uniform Central Residency Scheme (1992) and the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER) 2023, as well as rampant instances of caste-based discrimination, harassment, and mental health neglect—issues that have reportedly led to suicides and dropouts among students.
In an Office Memorandum dated July 4, 2025, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) within the MoSJE emphasized the urgent need for the Health Ministry to review and act on these concerns, noting the rights and entitlements guaranteed to persons with disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
Dr. Lakshya Mittal, Chairperson and National President of UDF, welcomed the government’s acknowledgment, stating, “This is a small but important step in ensuring justice and dignity for thousands of PG students from vulnerable backgrounds. We urge the Health Ministry and NMC to take immediate corrective action”.
The UDF has previously drawn attention to similar violations at major institutions such as AIIMS Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Bibinagar, and AFMC Pune, where junior doctors have reportedly been compelled to work shifts lasting up to 36 hours. The organization has called on the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to enforce existing regulations and take strict disciplinary action against non-compliant institutions.
The MoSJE’s intervention marks a significant escalation in the ongoing campaign for equitable working conditions and systemic reforms in India’s medical education sector.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of July 6, 2025, from Medical Dialogues and Careers360. The details presented reflect official statements and representations but may be subject to further updates or government action. Readers are advised to consult official government releases or contact relevant authorities for the most current information.
