The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has raised concerns over doctors being required to work for as many as 102 hours a week, describing such extended duty hours as inhumane and calling for a review of existing working arrangements.
Justice Raja Inam Amin Minhas made the remarks during a hearing concerning the working hours and duty schedules of doctors.
The issue has drawn particular attention to the working conditions of doctors undergoing postgraduate medical training, who can face lengthy shifts as part of their clinical responsibilities.
During the proceedings, the court considered concerns regarding the impact of prolonged working hours on doctors’ alertness, performance and ability to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
IHC Raises Concerns Over Extended Doctor Shifts
The Islamabad High Court expressed concern over work schedules that require doctors to remain on duty for extremely long periods.
Justice Minhas observed that requiring doctors to work up to 102 hours in a week was inhumane and indicated that the issue required consideration by the relevant regulatory and government institutions.
The remarks came during proceedings focused specifically on doctors’ working hours and the rules governing their professional duties.
The court’s intervention has brought renewed attention to the balance between medical training requirements, patient care and the working conditions of healthcare professionals.
CPSP Highlights Impact of Long Working Hours
During the hearing, the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) submitted its response to the court.
The response highlighted concerns about the effects of prolonged duty hours on doctors’ alertness and performance.
Long shifts can place significant demands on medical professionals, particularly those working in hospitals where doctors may be required to remain available for extended periods.
The CPSP’s submission provided the court with information relevant to the potential effects of lengthy working schedules and the need to examine existing arrangements.
Matter Referred to PMDC
Following the proceedings, the Islamabad High Court referred the matter to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
The court directed the medical regulator to review doctors’ working hours and submit its recommendations to the government.
The PMDC will therefore be responsible for examining the existing arrangements and considering whether changes to doctors’ duty hours are required.
The regulator’s recommendations are expected to provide a basis for further consideration of the issue by the relevant authorities.
Focus on Doctors in Postgraduate Training
The court’s remarks have also highlighted the working conditions of doctors undergoing postgraduate medical training.
Doctors in training often work within hospital environments where clinical duties, emergency responsibilities and educational requirements overlap.
The discussion over 102-hour workweeks has raised questions about whether extremely long shifts can affect doctors’ ability to remain alert and perform their duties effectively.
The issue is particularly significant in medical settings, where doctors are responsible for making decisions that can directly affect patients.
Working Hours and Patient Care
The debate over doctors’ working hours is not limited to the wellbeing of medical professionals.
Extended shifts can also raise questions about the quality and safety of patient care when healthcare workers are required to work for prolonged periods without adequate rest.
The CPSP’s response highlighted concerns about alertness and performance, while the court has asked the relevant regulator to examine the matter further.
The PMDC’s review could therefore consider both the working conditions of doctors and the broader implications for medical services and patient care.
Government to Consider PMDC Recommendations
The Islamabad High Court has directed the PMDC to submit its recommendations to the government after reviewing the existing working-hour arrangements.
The process means that any changes to doctors’ duty schedules will depend on the findings and recommendations produced by the medical regulator and subsequent action by the relevant authorities.
The court’s directions have placed the issue within a formal regulatory review rather than immediately imposing a new nationwide limit on doctors’ working hours.
Further developments are expected after the PMDC completes its review and presents its recommendations.
Renewed Debate Over Medical Working Conditions
The IHC proceedings have renewed discussion about the demanding schedules faced by doctors in Pakistan.
The court’s description of 102-hour weekly duties as inhumane has drawn attention to the need for authorities to examine how working hours are structured, particularly for doctors in postgraduate training.
At the same time, hospitals and medical institutions must maintain sufficient staffing to provide continuous emergency and clinical services.
The PMDC’s review is therefore expected to examine the issue within the wider framework of medical training, healthcare delivery and professional regulation.
For now, the matter remains under review, with the Islamabad High Court awaiting recommendations from the PMDC before further consideration of the issue.
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