NMC Task Force Advocates for 10-Day Annual Vacation, Limits on Duty Hours for Medics
Excessive working hours present significant risks to both the physical and mental well-being of medical professionals and can jeopardize patient safety, according to a report by a task force of the National Medical Commission (NMC). The task force has recommended limiting the working hours of resident doctors to a maximum of 74 hours per week, with a mandatory day off each week.
The report underscores the importance of ensuring medical students receive seven to eight hours of sleep daily, highlighting this as essential for maintaining their mental and physical health. It also stresses that requests for leave should be considered carefully and not unreasonably denied.
The task force calls for a collaborative approach to planning duty hours, involving department heads, faculty, senior residents, and residents. In cases of increased clinical demand, hospitals and medical colleges should hire additional senior residents and medical officers rather than overburdening existing staff.
“It is crucial to acknowledge that the primary role of postgraduates and interns is educational, not simply to fill staffing gaps in healthcare,” the report emphasizes.
The task force also advocates for the strict enforcement of NMC regulations against ragging, urging medical colleges to maintain active anti-ragging cells and impose severe penalties on offenders to alleviate the stress caused by ragging incidents.
Additionally, the report recommends that medical colleges consider offering a 10-day vacation annually to both undergraduate and postgraduate students on a rotational basis. This would allow students to spend time with their families, strengthening familial bonds and providing emotional support.
The task force further suggests that medical institutions should provide appropriate working conditions, including comfortable rest areas, nutritious meals, and hydration facilities. Regular breaks and the availability of food in duty rooms are also emphasized as necessary for the well-being of medics during their shifts.
To enhance mental health support, the report recommends implementing a gatekeeper training program within medical colleges. This program would establish a proactive network to identify individuals at risk and connect them with professional help. Participants would receive comprehensive training to recognize warning signs and refer students to appropriate mental health services.
The report also calls for the integration of mental health education into both undergraduate and postgraduate curricula through lectures, workshops, and seminars. Regular training in mental health, stress management, resilience building, substance use prevention, gatekeeper training, and basic counseling techniques should be provided to medical teachers, students, and administrators, either in person or online via the Swayam portal. Special attention should be given to maintaining confidentiality when dealing with individuals with mental health issues.
To reduce the financial burden and stress on students, the task force recommends abolishing fees for repeating semesters. It also advocates for a transparent and standardized grading system, along with an independent appeals process, to ensure fairness in evaluation and assessment.
The report suggests that institutions consider offering a variety of grading systems to minimize stress and promote a collaborative learning environment. It also recommends the introduction of supplementary exams to reduce academic pressure and anxiety, thus providing a fairer assessment system and supporting student well-being.
To protect students’ privacy and reduce stress, the task force suggests announcing exam results by roll numbers rather than names. It also highlights the importance of expanding postgraduate medical seats to meet healthcare needs, enhance specialist care, and reduce student migration.
In terms of disciplinary measures, the task force recommends abolishing seat-leaving fees or bonds. Students who abandon their seats after admission should be barred from reapplying to medical colleges for 24 months. The vacated seat should be filled in the same category (government/management seat) in the following academic year.
The report also emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive orientation program for new entrants. This program should be completed within four weeks for undergraduate students and two weeks for postgraduate students and should introduce them to the medical profession, campus resources, and the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual health. Involving family members in the induction process and periodically throughout the academic year is also recommended, as it would help families understand the challenges and stressors faced by medical students, enabling them to provide better support.
The task force advises the implementation of a 24/7 support system, such as the TeleMANAS initiative by the Union Ministry of Health. Medical colleges should have plans for the referral, evaluation, management, and follow-up of students with mental health issues. Confidential and accessible counseling services should be widely promoted, with a recommendation that medical colleges appoint at least two counselors for every 500 students.
Finally, the report calls for medical colleges to offer free diagnostic services and treatment, including medications, for both physical and mental health issues on campus. The task force also suggests that the NMC establish a national portal for grievance redress, ensuring secure and efficient handling of complaints.
