NHRC seeks report from NMC, health ministry on 'inhumane' duty hours forced on PwD PG medical students

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to submit an Action Taken Report on allegations of overtime duty hours imposed on postgraduate medical students, particularly Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

A notice by the NHRC to the NMC followed a complaint filed by the United Doctors Front (UDF) in July 2025. According to the complaint, the PG medical students of the PwD category were subjected to continuous duty shifts ranging from 24 to 36 hours, in some cases, extending up to 72 hours, in violation of the Uniform Central Residency Scheme, 1992.

“The provisions for reasonable hours, weekly offs, and leave are widely ignored by medical colleges. The excessive workload has reportedly led to severe mental and physical stress, suicides and dropouts among students, as also noted by the NMC's National Task Force in 2024,” the complaint reads.

NHRC to NMC: 'Make week offs must for PwD students'

The UDF, in its complaint, further stated that the PwD students were “disproportionately” affected due to a lack of accommodation, poor infrastructure, and weak grievance mechanism.

“This constitutes a violation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, despite a communication from the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment dated 02.07.2025,” it added.

The doctors group urged the NHRC to direct NMC to implement the Uniform Central Residency Scheme, 1992, with mandatory weekly offs, especially for PwD students.

Taking cognisance of the matter, the commission has sought an Action Taken Report from both authorities within 2 weeks from the date of receipt of the notice.

The commission stated that the allegations constitute "serious violations of the Human Rights of the victims". The NHRC Registry has been directed to forward a copy of the complaint to the Chairman, NMC, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for inquiry,” NHRC said.

The doctor’s front has welcomed the NHRC decision and urged the officials to take necessary action.