A top National Medical Commission (NMC) official stated that a new regulation outlining guidelines for working hours, weekly off days, and leaves for postgraduate students at medical institutions is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The Postgraduate Medical Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2018, regulate PG students at medical colleges who practice as resident physicians in hospitals affiliated with the school. The rules do not currently specify resident physicians employment hours or circumstances.

Many residents work up to 80 hours a week, according to Dr. AviralMathur, President of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (Forda).

Forda, the largest association of resident doctors in India, has called for limiting resident doctors weekly hours to 60 and ensuring a minimum of 30 days of leave each year, in addition to fixed weekly offs.

While reducing weekly hours below 48 may not be feasible due to patient loads and training requirements. Dr. Mathur emphasized that capping weekly hours at 60 is essential to address the growing distress among resident doctors. 

The NMC aims to implement substantial systemic changes to tackle this issue effectively.

The NMC held an urgent meeting to address suicides caused by senior student harassment. The councils anti-ragging committee analyzed reported grievances and raised concerns about suicide rates within the medical student community. In October, medical institutions were asked to provide data on PG students working hours, off schedules, and suicide occurrences.

(Source:https://theprint.in/health/nmc-to-release-new-norms-for-pg-medical-students-limit-on-working-hrs-strategies-to-reduce-stress/1831008/)