HYDERABAD: Junior and postgraduate doctors at state government medical colleges are demanding immediate state intervention over punishing shifts, severe staff shortages, and rising workplace violence.
A few doctors pointed out that duty hours in several government teaching hospitals frequently exceed 80 hours a week, even though the National Medical Commission (NMC) norms recommend restricting working hours to around 48 to 54 weekly.
Due to severe understaffing and surging patient numbers, postgraduate students now shoulder the bulk of clinical duties, according to representatives of junior doctors.
The Government Doctors Association has repeatedly urged the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) and the state government to enforce strict shift regulations, yet the crisis persists.
The representatives highlight a deficit of nearly 1,900 vacancies across the government healthcare sector. While the Health Department recently initiated recruitment, it only covers about 600 posts.
“The situation is physically exhausting and mentally draining,” a resident doctor said on condition of anonymity. “We frequently work 36-hour shifts that extend even longer during emergencies. In tough weeks, we cross 100 hours. On top of standard 10-to-12-hour days, we are hit with two or three continuous 36-hour shifts every week.” The doctor added that relentless emergency duties leave no time for meals or rest.
Another doctor said that the crisis is most severe in high-burden, understaffed clinical departments like cardiology, neurology and emergency care.
Beyond exhaustion, doctors are sounding the alarm over rising violence against healthcare staff and failing hospital security. They are demanding the strict enforcement of protection laws, widespread CCTV installation in sensitive zones, and the immediate deployment of dedicated security personnel in teaching hospitals.