RG Kar Tragedy Turns National Row; UDF Seeks PMO Action on Doctors’ Duty Hours
New Delhi/Shimla/Chandigarh: The 2024 RG Kar Medical College tragedy has triggered a nationwide controversy, with the United Doctors’ Front (UDF) seeking urgent intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office and linking the incident to deep-rooted failures in the healthcare system, particularly in poll-bound West Bengal.
A young postgraduate doctor died after nearly 36 hours of continuous duty inside the hospital. The case took a political turn as the deceased was the daughter of an MLA, raising serious questions on accountability and workplace safety for doctors.
UDF Chairperson Dr. Lakshya Mittal termed the incident a reflection of systemic collapse and unchecked exploitation of resident doctors across the country.
“This is a governance failure. Resident doctors are forced into 80–100 hour work weeks in clear violation of norms, and even basic safety inside hospital premises is not assured. The system stands exposed,” Dr. Mittal said.
UDF has written to the PMO demanding immediate enforcement of a uniform duty roster across all government and private medical colleges. The body called for strict implementation of the Uniform Residency Scheme, 1992, which limits duty hours to around 48 hours per week.
The organisation also sought nationwide surprise inspections by the National Medical Commission, alleging manipulation of duty rosters by institutions to bypass regulations while continuing excessive workloads.
UDF proposed a larger role for the bereaved MLA in shaping healthcare accountability in West Bengal, citing the need for leadership grounded in real experience.
With elections approaching, UDF said voters must seek clarity on doctors’ safety and working conditions.
“This tragedy cannot fade away. The country must ask who will ensure doctors are not pushed beyond limits and left unprotected,” Dr. Mittal added.
UDF warned that continued neglect of duty hour regulations and safety measures could push the healthcare system towards deeper crisis, affecting both doctors and patients.
Meanwhile National Human Rights Commission has issued a strict notice to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare over alleged non-compliance of its earlier directions related to the death of a junior doctor and exploitation of resident doctors.
Acting on a complaint filed by Dr. Lakshya Mittal, the NHRC has directed the Health Secretary to submit a compliance report within four weeks, warning that failure to respond could lead to coercive action under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, including personal appearance before the Commission.
The Commission has sought details on action taken against officials of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and enforcement of duty-hour regulations for resident doctors.
Calling the issue a “human rights violation,” the United Doctors Front said doctors across India are routinely forced to work 80–100 hour weeks in violation of norms.
UDF demanded nationwide implementation of the Uniform Residency Scheme, surprise audits by the National Medical Commission, and strict accountability for institutions violating duty-hour rules.
“This is no longer just one case. It has become a national accountability issue,” said Dr. Mittal, adding that justice for “Dr Abhaya” must lead to systemic healthcare reforms across India.
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