Task Force for Medical Professionals

On 14th August, 2024, a National Medical Commission (NMC) task force proposed several reforms to improve the mental health and working conditions of medical professionals, including aligning pay scales with AIIMS-Delhi and limiting weekly working hours.

Key Points

Recommendations Overview: The task force suggests adopting AIIMS-Delhi's pay structure across all medical colleges and limiting resident doctors to 74 working hours per week, with provisions for one day off and 24-hour duties.
Mental Health Concerns: The task force was formed in response to a high incidence of suicides among medical students, with 122 reported cases in the past five years.
Survey Findings: The survey of 25,590 undergraduate and 5,337 postgraduate students, along with 7,035 faculty members, found that 27.8% of UG students and 31.23% of PG students reported suicidal thoughts at some point.
Support Measures: The report recommends 24×7 support through the tele-MANAS helpline, improved amenities in colleges and hostels, and involving family in induction programs to better understand the pressures on medical students.
Duty Hours and Vacations: The committee advises that resident doctors should work no more than 74 hours a week and be given one 10-day vacation annually.
Pay Scale Uniformity: To address disparities, the task force suggests standardizing the pay scale to match AIIMS-Delhi’s compensation, which varies significantly between institutions.
Policy Recommendations: The report also advocates for the abolition of bond policies that require students to pay penalties if they leave their course or do not fulfill service obligations in rural areas.