The National Medical Commission (NMC) task force has raised concerns about the risks posed by excessive duty hours on the physical and mental well-being of resident doctors, as well as the potential compromise of patient safety.
The task force has recommended that resident doctors should not work more than 74 hours per week and should be entitled to at least one day off every week.
The task force emphasized the importance of ensuring that medical students get seven to eight hours of sleep daily to maintain their mental and physical health. It also highlighted that requests for leave should be carefully considered and not unreasonably declined.
Collaborative planning of duty hours by department heads, faculty, senior residents, and residents is necessary, and in cases of increased clinical workload, medical institutions should consider hiring additional senior residents and medical officers.
Hospitals should ensure regular breaks and provide food availability in dusty rooms. The task force recommended a gatekeeper training program in medical colleges aimed at establishing a proactive network for identifying at-risk individuals and connecting them with professional help.
This program would involve comprehensive training for participants to recognize warning signs and refer students to mental health services.
The task force also called for the integration of mental health education into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula through lectures, workshops, and seminars.
Regular training in mental health, stress management, resilience building, prevention of substance use, and basic counseling techniques should be provided to medical teachers, students, and the administration.
To further reduce academic pressure and anxiety, the task force suggested introducing supplementary exams and announcing exam results using roll numbers to enhance privacy and promote a fair academic environment. Expanding postgraduate medical seats was also recommended to address healthcare needs, enhance specialist care, and reduce student migration.
A comprehensive orientation program was recommended for new entrants, with a four-week program for undergraduate students and a two-week program for postgraduate students.
Involving family members during the induction program and periodically thereafter would help them understand the expectations and stressors faced by medics, enabling families to provide effective support.
The task force also recommended implementing a 24/7 support system, such as the TeleMANAS initiative by the Union Ministry of Health, to provide referral, evaluation, management, and follow-up for students with mental illnesses.
Confidential, accessible counseling services should be widely promoted, with medical colleges considering the appointment of at least two counselors for every 500 students.
Medical colleges should provide free diagnostics and treatment, including medicines, for physical and mental health issues within the campus. The task force also suggested that the NMC establish a national portal for grievance redress, enabling secure and efficient complaint handling.
