New Delhi: Expressing concern over the mental health of students, National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges and institutions to respect their dignity and ensure adequate rest, and weekly off for post-graduate doctors.
The move comes after National Medical Commission received several grievances from Post Graduate (PG) Medical Students (Resident Doctors) stating that they are under stress and depression due to long working hours, no weekly off, non-sanctioning of leave during emergencies, etc
“ A healthy and stress-free resident doctor is critical not only for his/ her own well-being but also for the well-being of the patients he/she treats. All medical colleges/ institutes are therefore requested to take necessary steps for taking care of the mental health and well-being of the PG Medical Students studying/working with them,” stated Dr. Vijay Oza, President, Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) in his recent letter to all medical institutions.
The letter also informed about the decision of the board to intervene and monitor this issue further
Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) in its meeting held on June 28, 2022, discussed the numerous grievances received on the issue and decided that all the Medical colleges should take care of the mental health and well-being of the PG Medical Students by ensuring adequate rest, weekly off, counseling for those who are under stress, arranging Yoga sessions on a regular basis, sanctioning leave when required and respecting their dignity by providing a positive conducive working environment. A committee may be constituted to look into the complaints/grievances including anonymous complaints/grievances which may be submitted by PG students either through mail or received in a drop box specially placed for this purpose.
“An action taken report on the issue as well as the practice being followed in the College/Institute may be provided to National Medical Commission on regular basis specially mentioning the cases of suicide, gender bias and incidences of dishonor to woman decency, etc,” the letter added
