HC directs authority to set up panel

Chennai,Feb17,(PTI) The Madras High Court today directedauthorities to constitute a team to study working conditionsof PG Medical Students in Tamil Nadu.

The First Bench, comprising Chief Justice M.Y.Eqbal andJustice T.S.Sivagnanam, asked authorities to take a fresh lookinto working hours for PG medical students while disposing ofa writ petition seeking a direction for the same.

"If the study report revealed a disturbing trend in error ofdiagnosis or treatment, the authorities should revisit thematter and frame fresh regulations to regulate the pattern ofPG programme in line with the programme schedule inother countries," the court said.

In his petition, E.Pradeep Prem Kumar, a PG medicalstudent sought a direction to authorities to prescribeworking hours, leave and holidays for students in the medicalcolleges affiliated to Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University.

In its order,The Bench said the authorities also shouldbear bear in mind that attentional failures in interns leadingto medical errors may have disastrous consequences andultimately affect public health.

Policy makers and academicians should decide as to whatwould be the best procedure bearing in mind not only theexcellence in education, quality of student training and moreimportantly patients� safety.