NMC Taskforce Recommends 74-hour Weekly Cap for Medicos

The NMC taskforce has raised concerns about the excessive duty hours of resident doctors, highlighting the risks to their physical and mental health and the potential compromise to patient safety. It recommends that resident doctors work no more than 74 hours a week and receive a day off weekly. The taskforce also emphasized the need for medical students to get seven to eight hours of sleep daily and for their leave requests to be considered fairly. To manage clinical workloads, the taskforce suggests that hospitals and medical colleges hire more senior residents and medical officers rather than relying on postgraduates and interns to fill staffing gaps. Additionally, the taskforce stresses the importance of strict anti-ragging measures, adequate rest areas, nutritious meals, and regular breaks during duty hours to support the well-being of medical professionals.