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Jaipur, November 2025 — Resident doctors across Rajasthan’s government medical colleges are facing prolonged duty hours up to 24-36 hours continuously alongside irregular and delayed stipend payments, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. The Doctors Welfare Federation (DWF) and other associations have highlighted the severe physical, mental, and financial toll this situation is taking on resident doctors and warned of negative repercussions for healthcare delivery and patient safety in the state.
Key Findings and Developments
Resident doctors in Rajasthan shoulder a critical role in the state’s healthcare system, often working without adequate rest under high pressure delivering emergency and routine medical care. According to a letter submitted by the National President of the Doctors Welfare Federation, Dr. Chandraveer Singh, many resident doctors are compelled to work exhaustively for 24 to 36 hours straight, far exceeding the standards outlined by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Such prolonged working hours contradict the NMC and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) guidelines, which recommend duty hours capped at 12 hours a day to ensure the well-being of doctors and safety of patients.
In addition to excessive working hours, irregular payment of stipends has compounded the residents’ hardships. Reports indicate that some batches of resident doctors have faced delays ranging from 4–9 months in receiving stipends, causing financial distress that impacts their morale and mental health. The situation is especially dire in peripheral districts like Barmer, where stipend payments have not been received for extensive periods.
Infrastructure and living conditions have also come under scrutiny, with many medical college hostels reported to have poor sanitation, inadequate drinking water, and security lapses, further aggravating stress among residents. Educational activities like academic classes and thesis research have been disrupted due to work pressure, diluting the quality of medical training.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Chandraveer Singh emphasized, “Resident doctors are the backbone of Rajasthan’s healthcare system, delivering lifesaving services despite immense challenges. Regulating duty hours and ensuring timely stipend payments are not just welfare measures but vital for patient safety and the sustainability of health services.”
Dr. Lakshya Mittal, President of the United Doctors’ Front, echoed these concerns: “Ignoring prescribed duty hour limits leads to chronic exhaustion and mental health deterioration among resident doctors, which directly compromises patient care.” He further highlighted that doctors routinely work 70-100 hours weekly without adequate rest, revealing system-wide neglect.
Security concerns persist as well, with frequent incidents of violence against doctors reported, linked to insufficient hospital security. The DWF has urged strict enforcement of the Doctors’ Protection Act in all health facilities to safeguard medical professionals.
Context and Background
The issue of prolonged working hours for resident doctors is not unique to Rajasthan; a 1992 Central Government notification caps duty hours at 12 hours per day and 48 hours per week for resident doctors nationwide. However, widespread non-compliance persists, as underscored by ongoing Supreme Court pleas seeking enforcement of these norms.
Financial instability from delayed stipends exposes systemic flaws in budgetary allocations and administration under Rajasthan Medical Education Society (RajMES). The stipend delays disproportionately impact junior resident doctors who often rely solely on these funds for livelihood during their extensive training periods.
Public Health Implications
Extended duty hours compromise doctors’ physical and emotional well-being, increasing risks of medical errors, which can jeopardize patient safety. Poor living conditions and lack of academic time impact residents’ overall professional development, potentially affecting future healthcare quality. Financial insecurity may reduce workforce retention, exacerbating shortages in essential medical personnel in the state’s hospitals.
Limitations and Counterarguments
Some health administrators cite resource constraints and staffing shortages as reasons for duty hour irregularities, arguing that emergencies sometimes necessitate extended shifts. However, experts counter that such practices should not become routine and call for structural reforms including adequate staffing and proper allocation of resources.
Regarding stipend delays, financial authorities point to budget approval delays, yet doctor associations emphasize that transparent and timely disbursal is a fundamental obligation that cannot be deferred without consequences.
Practical Implications for Readers
For the public and patients, understanding these challenges underscores the importance of supporting policies that safeguard the welfare of frontline healthcare workers, ultimately impacting the quality of care received. Patients and advocates can play a role by encouraging authorities to address these systemic issues, ensuring doctors are rested, secure, and fairly compensated.
Conclusion
The situation confronting resident doctors in Rajasthan—excessive continuous duty hours, irregular stipends, poor infrastructure, and compromised security—demands urgent government attention. Protecting these medical professionals’ rights and well-being aligns with the broader goal of enhancing healthcare delivery, ensuring patient safety, and supporting sustained medical education quality in the state.
Medical Disclaimer
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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