Long hours hurting resident docs’ mental health, NMC tells SC

The National Medical Commission (NMC) informed the Supreme Court that the mental health of resident doctors is suffering due to long and demanding working hours. Acknowledging the severe psychological distress experienced by these medical professionals, the commission emphasized that reasonable working hours are critical for safeguarding both doctor and patient wellbeing.

Despite recognizing the detrimental impact of these schedules, the NMC expressed its inability to enforce limits on working hours. The disclosure highlights ongoing concerns within the healthcare sector regarding the systemic pressures placed on resident physicians and the regulatory challenges in addressing their occupational conditions.