Maternity Leaves for Doctors: Why are young female doctors scared of getting pregnant?

Maternity leave become a major concern for medicos. While being in their process of education during the most reproductive years, many doctors avoid getting pregnant while they are pursuing their medical education. Add to this is the concern for such doctors about organizational support and governmental support in terms of maternity leaves.

Recently PG Medical Education Board of the Commission (PGMEB) of the NMC tried to clear its stand on the matter and stated that the matter regarding grant of maternity leave to PG medical students shall be regulated as per respective State Government rules.

Clarifying on the issue of Stipend, the Apex medical commission mentioned that the students pursuing PG medical courses should be paid stipend for extended period of training, if it has not been provided during the leave period.

However, the doctors are disappointed with the stand of NMC . Calling the notice cryptic and not straightforward, doctors have alleged that NMC is trying to get rid of the responsibility by stating that the grant of maternity leave shall be regulated by the State.

Joining us in Today's Episode of Health Perspective, is Dr Iqra, (MBBS MD Pediatrics) currently doing a fellowship in developmental and behavioural pediatrics from Latika Roy memorial foundation, Dr Rafia Khan (MBBS,MD) is Senior Resident of the Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical care ESIC Hospital in Okhla, New Delhi, and Dr. Kulsaurabh Kaushik (MBBS, MD , DNB ), Critical care medicine, former general secretary of the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association ( FORDA).