IHC seeks Pakistan Medical and Dental Council view on doctors’ working hours

The Islamabad High Court has directed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to investigate the excessive working hours of doctors and present recommendations to the government. The court ruled that mandating doctors to work up to 102 hours per week is inhumane. The Islamabad High Court's ruling comes in response to a petition concerning the working hours of medical professionals.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan submitted comments to the court highlighting the detrimental effects of prolonged duty hours on both doctors and patients. According to the CPSP material, doctors' cognitive function deteriorates after around 18 hours of work, equivalent to a blood alcohol level of 0.05, and worsens to a blood alcohol level of 0.1 after 24 hours of continuous duty.

The CPSP document also notes that fatigued doctors are more prone to mistakes compared to well-rested counterparts. The document cites international standards, including the European Working Time Directive, which allows a maximum average working week of 48 hours with daily rest periods and weekly breaks. The US sets a limit of 80 duty hours per week over four weeks, while India mandates junior residents to work a maximum of 48 hours weekly.

The CPSP suggests that residency programs should limit clinical duties to 48 hours per week, excluding emergency situations. The court's directive stems from concerns over the safety of doctors and patients, the need for a healthy work-life balance, and the impact of environmental factors on fatigue.