The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union Government and the National Medical Commission (NMC) on a petition challenging the excessive duty hours of resident doctors.
The PIL, filed by the United Doctors’ Fund (UDF), seeks enforcement of the Health Ministry’s 1992 directive limiting work to 12 hours a day and 48 hours a week. It argues that doctors are routinely made to work 70–100 hours, leading to exhaustion, stress, and risks to patient safety.
The plea cites over 150 suicides among medical students in five years, attributing them to overwork and sleep deprivation. Advocate Satyam Singh, for the petitioners, said the issue concerns the doctors’ right to life with dignity under Article 21.
The case comes as the government reviews the Central Residency Scheme for the first time since 1992, with a proposal to fix a 48-hour weekly cap. A recent survey by UDF found 86% of young doctors felt overwork harmed their mental health, with 62% reporting duty hours above 72 per week.
