J-K Govt grants weekly off for resident doctors, PG students of government medical colleges

NEW DELHI: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir, health and medical education has decided to permit one weekly off for junior and senior resident doctors executing their assignments in government medical colleges of J-K and Diplomate of National Board (DNB) PG students. Medical students have been appealing to the health ministry and the National Medical Commission (NMC) to expedite the steps to improve mental health.

“There shall be weekly one-day off (subject to work exigencies of work). In addition, a senior resident tutor shall be eligible for twenty (20) days' casual leave. Five days' academic leave per year shall be admissible subject to the relevance of the programme to the course,” the state health department said.

Additionally, female senior residents and tutors will be allowed maternity leave, MTP, abortion leave and male senior residents will be allowed paternity leave as per existing government rules and regulations. However, the tenure or course will be extended by the same number of days for which maternity or paternity leave has been availed.

Leave permissible for PG medical students

Postgraduate (PG) medical students will also be granted weekly one-day off subject to work exigencies In addition, PG students will be eligible for 20 days casual leave, five days academic leave per year subject to the relevance of the programme to the course.

Similarly, female and male PG students will also be allowed maternity, abortion leave and paternity leave as per existing government norms. The training period will be extended accordingly, it said.

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Leave permissible for DNB PG students

A DNB PG student will be eligible to avail a maximum of 20 days casual leave in a year, excluding regular duty off gazetted holidays as per hospital or institute calendar. The rule for availing maternity and paternity leave will be the same as PG students.

“Further, any changes in the guidelines/norms of NMC and NBE for leaves to Senior Residents/Tutors and PG Students of Government Medical Colleges and DNB PG Students shall apply ipso-facto,” the officials said.