The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notices to the state government and other concerned authorities over allegations that postgraduate resident doctors are working 70 to 100 hours a week, with some reportedly working continuous shifts of up to 36 hours. The notices have been issued in response to a petition seeking implementation of the Uniform Central Residency Scheme, 1992, which provides for a maximum 48-hour working week and a weekly day off for resident doctors. According to the petition, some postgraduate residents may also be required to work without a weekly day off.

It has raised concerns over the physical and mental strain associated with prolonged and continuous duties, including mental stress, depression and burnout. The High Court has sought responses from the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Directorate of Medical Education, Madhya Pradesh Medical…