The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has raised concerns over doctors working extremely long weekly hours.
The court observed that requiring doctors to work up to 102 hours weekly was inhumane. It also called for a review of extended duty hours.
Justice Raja Inam Amin Minhas made the observations during a hearing on doctors’ working conditions. The case focused on the hours worked by doctors, particularly during medical training.
The IHC considered information submitted by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP). The organization highlighted concerns linked to prolonged duty periods.
According to the material submitted to the court, excessive working hours can affect doctors’ alertness. It can also have an impact on their performance and decision-making.
The court subsequently referred the matter to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). The regulator has been directed to examine doctors’ working hours.
The PMDC will also prepare recommendations on the issue. These recommendations are to be submitted to the government for consideration.
The IHC observed that the issue required attention from relevant regulatory and government institutions. The court said extended duty schedules should be examined carefully.
The CPSP material also discussed the effects of fatigue on doctors. It highlighted concerns about performance after prolonged periods of continuous work.
The information submitted before the court included comparisons with working-hour practices in other countries. These examples showed that several systems have limits on doctors’ duty hours.
The CPSP material referred to a 48-hour weekly limit under European working-time rules. It also mentioned an 80-hour weekly limit used for doctors in the United States.
The document also referred to practices in countries including India and Iran. These examples included limits on weekly hours and restrictions on extended shifts.
The CPSP has also recommended limits for doctors working in residency programs. Its recommendations include 48 duty hours weekly for clinical specialties.
The organization suggested additional limits for night and emergency duties. It recommended that such duties should not exceed specified periods.
The CPSP clarified that it does not directly employ doctors. It also said working hours fall under provincial governments or private organizations.
The organization explained that its role mainly concerns postgraduate medical training. Accredited institutions conduct these training programs under its framework.
The court proceedings have renewed attention on working conditions for doctors. The issue is particularly relevant to those completing postgraduate medical training.
The CPSP material also noted differences in how working-hour limits are implemented. Actual schedules can vary depending on healthcare facilities and supervision levels.
It further pointed out that reducing doctors’ duty hours may require additional staff. Hospitals would need more doctors to cover the resulting workload.
Environmental conditions can also contribute to fatigue, according to the submitted material. Factors such as heat and poor workplace conditions may increase exhaustion.
The PMDC will now examine the matter and prepare recommendations. The recommendations will then be placed before the relevant governments.
The development could lead to further discussion about doctors’ working hours. It also highlights concerns about fatigue, performance, and working conditions in healthcare.
In other related news also read IHC Calls 102-Hour Doctor Workweeks Inhumane
The IHC’s directions place the issue before the relevant regulatory authority. Any changes to doctors’ working hours will depend on subsequent decisions by competent authorities.
