12-hour duty norms 'only on paper'! PGI Chandigarh resident doctors flag overwork, burnout

In January 2026, residents at PGI Chandigarh alleged that they were working for up to 30 days at a stretch without any weekly off. They had also claimed that emergency duties frequently extended beyond 12 hours depending on case severity.

Also read- Maharashtra caps resident doctors' duty hours at 48 per week, enforces 1992 residency scheme

According to the latest TOI report, the situation remains unchanged, with doctors reiterating that duty hour norms are largely not implemented on the ground.

In September 2025, PGI Director Dr Vivek Lal had issued a circular to all departmental heads and asked them to optimise the duty hours of resident doctors. The HoDs were also directed to ensure that the residents get at least one weekly off. These directions were issued to make sure that the resident doctors did not face any undue mental or physical stress. 

However, the doctors claimed that no steps have been taken for the implementation of the norms. 

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare implemented the Residency Scheme on June 5, 1992, following directions from the Supreme Court, which clearly limits resident doctors’ duty hours to a maximum of 12 hours per day and 48 hours per week. However, this remains a dream for doctors across the nation. 

Claiming the PGI guidelines remain confined on paper, a resident doctor said, "We are told patients cannot be left unattended, and because there are simply not enough doctors to manage the workload, the 12-hour limit is the first thing to be ignored."

The institute has over 600 junior residents and a similar number of senior residents each year. While most complete their training, many do so under intense physical and psychological pressure, residents said.

Previously, United Doctors Front (UDF) termed the practice as "exploitation" of doctors and questioned when they would be allowed to work under normal duty hours with proper rest and mental well-being. Doctors have called for urgent intervention that goes beyond policy announcements to include increased staffing, better workload distribution and strict enforcement of recovery time between shifts.

Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, headed by MP Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav, submitted its report on 18.03.2026. Taking note of the huge vacancies in the posts of faculty members and residents at the central government medical institutes, the Parliamentary Health Committee expressed concern about the excessive workload of doctors.

In this 172nd report, the panel highlighted the possibility of clinical errors and burnout resulting in compromised patient safety and recommended formulated and strictly enforcing a "Clinical Duty Hours Regulation" policy with mandatory rest periods and monitored rosters.

Welcoming the Parliamentary Health Committee's recommendations for 'Pilot-like Duty Hours' for resident doctors, UDF Chairperson Dr. Lakshya Mittal wrote to the Union Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda, seeking urgent implementation of the same.

Explaining how the long working hours often take a toll on the personal life and health of doctors, a resident doctor told TOI, "The relentless workload is taking a toll on doctors' health. There is no time to sleep or rest. I feel constantly sleep-deprived, which affects my focus and attention. There is also no time to eat proper meals."

Another resident doctor also highlighted workplace challenges. The doctor said, "We deal with interpersonal conflicts, face the looming threat of violence from patient attendants, and struggle to balance family expectations and financial pressures."

Sources told TOI that the PGI administration is aware of the concerns and may raise the matter with the Union Health Ministry. Discussions are also underway to increase MD and DM seats to bring in more resident doctors and reduce workload.

Also read- Doctors' burnout due to 24-36 hour shifts! Parliamentary panel calls for Clinical Duty hour regulation policy with mandatory rest, monitored rosters