The National Medical Commission (NMC) asked medical institutions offering post-graduate programmes on Wednesday to look out for the mental health and wellbeing of their students by making sure they have enough rest, weekly vacation, counseling, approved leaves, and a pleasant working environment. The commission has also requested that these universities produce action-taken reports on the problem and the procedures they use, including mentioning instances of suicide, gender bias, and disrespect for a woman’s decency.
Dr Vijay Oza, president of the Post-Graduate Medical Education Board, NMC, stated in a letter to the directors, principals, or deans of medical colleges and institutions offering post-graduate courses that the board has received complaints from PG students (resident doctors) stating they are under stress due to long working hours, no weekly offs, non-sanctioning of leaves during emergencies, etc.
According to the letter, this matter has been brought up in both the print media and in Parliament. In a meeting on June 28, the PGMEB addressed the complaints and resolved that all medical colleges should ensure that PG students have enough rest, weekly offs, and counselling if necessary in order to protect their mental health and general well-being. The board agreed that the institutions should schedule yoga classes on a regular basis, approve leaves of absence when necessary, and respect students’ dignity by creating a welcoming and supportive work environment. According to Oza, a committee may be established to investigate the complaints and grievances received, including those from unnamed sources.
“A resident doctor’s wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of the patients he or she treats, depends on him or her being in good physical and mental health. Therefore, it is asked that all medical colleges and institutions take the required efforts to ensure the mental health and well-being of the PG medical students who are studying or working there.
The letter said that on a regular basis, “An action-taken report on the issue as well as the practise being followed in the college or institute may be provided to the National Medical Commission specifically mentioning the cases of suicide, gender bias, and incidences of dishonour to a woman’s decency, etc.”
