New Delhi, Sept 3 – The United Doctors’ Front (UDF) has accused AIIMS of ignoring the Health Ministry’s order capping resident doctors’ duty hours at 48 per week and 12 at a stretch.
Despite the August 21 directive, reports from AIIMS centres suggest residents are still being forced into gruelling shifts.
UDF Chairperson Dr. Lakshya Mittal has written to the AIIMS Director demanding urgent enforcement.
“The well-being of resident doctors is paramount to providing quality patient care. We urge the AIIMS administration to take immediate action,” Dr. Mittal said.
The doctors’ body warned that unregulated work hours are fuelling depression, burnout and mental health crises among young medicos.
It also flagged that many residents fear punitive action or discrimination if they push for the order’s implementation.
UDF’s demands include transparent rosters with weekly offs published online, strict monitoring of working hours, proper overtime records, protection for residents who raise concerns, and appointment of a nodal authority to act against violations.
The letter also seeks awareness sessions for PG students and their parents on duty hour rules and grievance redressal.
“It’s high time AIIMS stops exploiting residents in the name of training. Long hours don’t just break doctors, they compromise patient safety,” Dr. Mittal warned.
UDF has said it awaits AIIMS’ response but is prepared to escalate the issue if immediate steps are not taken.
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