MoSJE urges health ministry to address long duty hours, caste discrimination faced by PG medical students

In a significant development, the ministry of social justice and empowerment (MoSJE) has urged the ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW), government of India, to intervene and address the excessive duty hours and caste based discrimination faced by marginalised postgraduate (PG) medical students, including PwD students.

Recently, a report was submitted by the United Doctors’ Front (UDF) addressing the issues regarding the excessive working hours and caste-based discrimination faced by PG medical students from marginalised communities and persons with disabilities.

MoSJE demands the government’s intervention for PG medical students belonging to marginalised communities, including scheduled caste (SC), scheduled tribe (ST), other backward classes (OBC), economically weaker section (EWS), and persons with disabilities (PwDs).
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Keys concerns raised by UDF

According to the official MoSJE statement, despite the existing government polices, students continue to face inhumane duty hours, often exceeding 36 hours at a stretch. This includes unchecked caste based discrimination, harassment, mental health neglect leading to suicide, and dropouts. Lastly, the lack of implementation and monitoring by medical institutions and authorities.

MoSJE has urged the health ministry to examine the issues faced by the medical students and take action as deemed appropriate, keeping in view the rights and entitlements ensured to Persons with Disabilities vide RPWD Act, 2016.

While speaking on the development, Lakshya Mittal the chairperson and National President of UDF said: “This is a small but important step in ensuring justice and dignity for thousands of PG students from vulnerable backgrounds. We urge the Health Ministry and NMC to take immediate corrective action.”

The UDF’s representation was issued on June 28, marking another milestone in continuing advocacy for equitable working conditions and reforms in medical education and training across the country.