The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, on Thursday expressed grave concerns about the exhaustive and often inhumane working hours faced by resident doctors throughout India. The remarks were made during a hearing of a suo motu case concerning the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital.
Highlighting the severe conditions under which resident doctors operate, often enduring shifts that extend up to 36 hours without a break, the Chief Justice emphasized the urgent need for reform. “We are deeply concerned about the inhuman working hours of resident doctors across the country. Some doctors work 36-hour shifts. The committee appointed should look into streamlining the on-duty hours of all doctors. The 36 or 48 hour shifts are just inhuman,” said Chief Justice Chandrachud.
The court’s observations came as part of discussions around the broader issue of safety and working conditions for healthcare professionals in India. The National Task Force (NTF), established by the Supreme Court, has been tasked with developing uniform safety protocols for medical professionals nationwide. This task force will now also consider recommendations to address the brutal work schedules that have become a norm in the healthcare sector.
Legal representatives from various medical associations, including Tanvi Dubey for the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and senior lawyer Vijay Hansaria along with lawyer Sneha Kalita for the Delhi Medical Association, presented arguments highlighting the dual challenges of safety and unsustainable work hours faced by doctors.
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Recognizing the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in its deliberations, the Supreme Court directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Family Welfare to set up a dedicated portal. This platform will enable stakeholders from across the medical community to submit their suggestions directly to the NTF, ensuring that a wide range of voices and experiences inform the task force’s recommendations.
