New Delhi: The Democratic Medical Association (DMA) of India has called for nationwide reforms aimed at improving the working conditions of resident doctors, demanding strict regulation of duty hours, implementation of leave benefits and an immediate end to prolonged 24-36 hour work shifts in medical institutions across the country.
In a statement, the association said resident doctors must continue to receive annual, weekly and casual leave benefits and stressed that humane working conditions were essential not only for doctors but also for patient safety.
DMA referred to an order issued by Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, under which resident doctors are required to work only 10 Sundays in a year while being granted additional leave benefits. The association described the development as a positive step achieved through sustained engagement with authorities.
The organization also cited provisions of the Central Residency Scheme, 1992, stating that doctors should not be compelled to work beyond prescribed limits or remain on continuous duty for excessively long hours.
According to DMA, resident doctors in many institutions continue to work for 24 to 36 hours at a stretch, a practice it described as inhumane and potentially harmful to patient care.
DMA demanded implementation of a uniform leave policy across all medical colleges, strict enforcement of residency regulations and scientific regulation of duty hours.
The association warned that if resident doctors are denied their lawful leave benefits or subjected to inhumane working conditions, it may pursue organizational, administrative and legal remedies against the concerned authorities.
Dr. Amit Vyas, National President of DMA and Dr Shubh Pratap Solanki, Founder DMA said the organization would continue advocating for the welfare, dignity and professional rights of resident doctors across India. [KNT]
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