Revamping Medics' Wellbeing: NMC's Blueprint for Health and Safety

An NMC taskforce recommends no more than 74 duty hours per week for resident doctors, emphasizing adequate sleep and judicious leave. Collaborative duty hour planning, anti-ragging measures, and mental health integration are highlighted. The report advocates for better rest areas, a gatekeeper training program, fair evaluation systems, and abolishing seat-leaving fees in medical colleges.

The NMC taskforce has raised alarms about excessive duty hours compromising both the physical and mental health of medics, as well as patient safety. They recommend capping resident doctors' hours at 74 per week, alongside mandatory weekly rest days.

Ensuring that medical students receive seven to eight hours of sleep daily is crucial, noted the taskforce, who emphasized the importance of fair leave policies and collaborative planning of duty hours among departments to mitigate burnout and health risks.

The taskforce's comprehensive report also called for better living conditions for medics during duty hours—comfortable rest areas, nutritious meal availability, and regular breaks. Additionally, the taskforce proposed a nationwide mental health education curriculum and gatekeeper training program to identify and support at-risk individuals.

(With inputs from agencies.)