SC Slams 36-Hour Shifts For Doctors As 'Inhuman', Seeks Quick Fix

The Supreme Court on Thursday condemned the "inhuman" working conditions faced by resident doctors across the country, describing their long working hours as a severe issue that needs immediate attention.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, addressing the situation, remarked, "We are deeply concerned about the inhuman working hours of resident doctors across the country.

Some doctors work 36-hour shifts." He further emphasized the need for a structured approach, stating, "The committee appointed should look into streamlining the on-duty hours of all doctors. 36- or 48-hour shifts are just inhuman!"

These observations were made during the hearing of a suo motu case related to the rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The bench, also including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, criticised the delays and irregularities in the investigation by Kolkata Police.

The court found it "extremely disturbing" that there was a major delay in securing the crime scene and registering the case as an unnatural death.

CJI Chandrachud questioned, "One aspect is extremely disturbing, the GD entry of death is recorded at 10:10 am...the securing of the crime scene, the seizures etc was done at 11:30 at night? What was happening all by then?"

In response to these concerns, the Supreme Court directed the 10-member National Task Force (NTF), which it had constituted earlier in the week, to develop protocols that ensure the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals.

The NTF has been instructed to consult with all relevant stakeholders in creating a national safety protocol.

Also, the court ordered the secretary of the Union health ministry to set up a portal where stakeholders can submit their suggestions to the task force.