Stress at KGMU: Doctors demand FIXED Duties, 48 working hours per week, Weekly OFF

"Today it was Vivek, tomorrow it could be any of us, as we are all working for long hours under immense stress," RDA General Secretary Dr Neeraj Mishra told TOI

"We usually work for 30 hours straight. There is practically no off unless we take leave, which is very difficult to get. This is when the abnormal amount of work pressure, harassment and exploitation make someone take a drastic step. The irrational working environment, deficiencies in system and shortage of staff should be met immediately. This will help in creating a healthy environment for all," he added

Pointing out to the directions of the Supreme Court as well as the conditions of the  central government's residency scheme, the doctors have demanded that KGMU implements the same. In particular, the Central Residency Scheme Clearly states

"Continuous active duty for resident doctors will not normally exceed 12 hours per day. Subject to exigencies of work the resident doctors will be allowed one weekly holiday by rotation. The resident doctors will also require to be on call duty not exceeding 12 hours at a time. The junior Residents should ordinarily work for 48 hours per week and not more than 12 hours at a stretch subject to the condition that the working hours will be flexible as may be decided by the Medical Superintendents concerned keeping in view the workload and availability of doctors for clinical work."

Read Also : 5 Points about Central Residency Scheme all Doctors Should know

The RDA has demanded one stretch of duty to be limited to eight hours and in an emergency situation, to 12 hours.On the issue of duty hours, the RDA asked the VC to give a full day off on the next day if a resident does night duty.

Concerning the exploitation, RDA mentioned that if during work, if a senior tortures or physically or verbally abuse a junior; it should be considered ragging. Moreover, it should be considered as a case of mental harassment of a resident. It should be dealt with in the strictest manner, the letter to the VC added, reports TOI.