80 percent resident doctors work over 60 hours weekly, 46 percent cross 80 hours: PGI Chandigarh survey flags burnout

Chandigarh: Amid claims of resident doctors at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) being overburdened with extreme work pressure, exhaustion, and mental health concerns, a recent survey conducted by the institute has revealed that around 80 percent of the surveyed residents reported working more than 60 hours per week, while 46 percent said their weekly duty hours exceeded 80 hours.

The study, which surveyed 462 residents across 38 departments, revealed a severe burnout crisis among resident doctors marked by extreme hours and chronic fatigue, which is pushing many of these medical professionals to their breaking point, raising critical concerns for patient safety. 

The survey highlighted that many doctors continue duty for 24 to 30 hours at a stretch, often without proper rest or regular weekly off. The high patient load and limited staffing are forcing residents to work beyond safe limits.

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

In terms of mental health, the survey found that 48.70% of residents reported normal stress levels while 16.45% experienced mild stress, and 17.75% reported moderate stress, 12.77% of residents reported severe stress, and 4.33% of them reportedly experienced extremely severe stress. 

Similarly, in terms of anxiety, 30.30% of the residents reported normal levels, whereas 14.50% experienced mild anxiety and 19.26% reported moderate anxiety, reports TOI. 

The survey highlighted that many doctors are dealing with severe mental fatigue, poor sleep, and ongoing difficulty in balancing their clinical work with academic responsibilities. Several residents also shared that they often skip meals and feel rushed while attending to patients, reflecting the pressure of an overburdened system where staff shortages push them to take on extra workload.

Medical Dialogues had reported that the duty hours of resident doctors at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, continue to remain demanding and overburdened, with doctors alleging extreme work pressure, exhaustion, and mental health issues due to staff shortage.

Despite the institutional guidelines promising a 12-hour duty schedule and a mandatory weekly off, residents working in wards and emergency services allege that they continue to face overwork and extended shifts, claiming that the norms exist only on paper.

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.

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 formulating 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.

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