IHC terms 102-hour doctor work week inhumane

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has described requiring doctors to work up to 102 hours a week as inhumane and has directed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to review the issue and put its recommendations before the government.

Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas made the observation on Tuesday while hearing a petition concerning doctors' working hours. Dawn reported that the court, with the consent of the parties, converted the writ petition during the proceedings. The court's concern centred on the effect of extended duty periods on medical professionals.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan submitted a response to the court on lengthy duty hours. The college told the court that extended working periods could affect doctors' alertness and performance, and it raised concerns about whether excessive working hours could interfere with medical duties. According to Dawn, the CPSP also cited international limits, including 48 hours a week in Europe and 80 hours a week in the United States.

Justice Minhas said making doctors work up to 102 hours a week was inhumane. He said relevant regulatory and government authorities should consider the issue, according to Daily Times. The court then referred the matter to the PMDC and directed the council to review doctors' working hours, examine the concerns raised during the proceedings, and prepare recommendations.

Those recommendations will be sent to the government for consideration, the court said. Further decisions will depend on the PMDC's review and the recommendations it submits to the government. The development renews attention on doctors' duty schedules and their potential impact on professional performance.