- A Roadmap for Humane Medical Training Reform
- CPI Denounces Inhumane Work Conditions for PG Medicos
The Communist Party of India (CPI) secretary of Andhra Pradesh Gujjula Eswaraiah expresses his grave concern and indignation over the systemic exploitation and “bonded labor” conditions being imposed upon Postgraduate (PG) medical students across Andhra Pradesh. It is a matter of profound shame that our state’s brightest minds, dedicated to saving lives, are being subjected to a work culture that is not only inhumane but a gross violation of fundamental human rights.
Evaluating the “bonded labor” conditions and 168-hour work weeks
“We have received harrowing reports detailing a staggering workload that is physically and mentally impossible to sustain. Currently, PG students are being coerced into 36-hour continuous shifts three times a week, followed by 13-hour shifts on the remaining days. This culminates in a 168-hour work week, leaving zero hours for rest, hygiene, or mental recuperation. With no weekly offs or post-duty rest periods, this is no longer “medical training”—it is institutionalized exhaustion” he said.
Patient Safety at Risk
CPI secretary said that such draconian conditions lead to severe sleep deprivation and clinical depression, contributing to a tragic rise in suicidal ideation among young doctors. Furthermore, an exhausted doctor is a direct risk to patient safety; we cannot expect quality healthcare from individuals pushed beyond the brink of collapse. The CPI, Andhra Pradesh, demands that the State Government and Medical Education authorities immediately implement the following:
Strict Duty Hour Caps
Esaraiah demanded the immediate enforcement of a weekly cap on working hours, strictly adhering to the National Medical Commission (NMC) Task Force recommendations. Abolition of 36-Hour Shifts: A formal directive must be issued prohibiting any shift exceeding 24 hours. Training must not come at the cost of biological survival.
Mandatory Rest Periods
He said that the government should ensure of 24 hours of rest after every night shift and a mandatory weekly off without exception. Independent Grievance Redressal: The establishment of an anonymous, state-level monitoring cell under the DME where students can report violations without fear of victimization by departmental heads. Digital Transparency: Implementation of digital rosters and biometric logs to prevent the falsification of work hours by college administrations.
CPI Secretary said that the medical profession is noble, but its foundation should not be built on the ruins of a student’s health. The CPI warns the government to intervene now before more young lives are lost to this systemic neglect. CPI stands in total solidarity with the resident doctors and will intensify our struggle if these humane demands are not met immediately.
Principal Correspondent, Prime Post
CS Kulasekhar Reddy had thirty five years experience in journalism. He worked in Udayam and Andhra Bhoomi as reporter and sub-editor. He highlighted various social issues in Chitthoor, Ananthpur, Kadapa and Kurnool districts. He covered assembly sessions and Secretariat happenings.
