New Delhi: The United Doctors Front (UDF) has filed a PIL in the Supreme Court to implement the Residency Scheme, 1992, and the matter has been recorded for oral argument in the court on July 23, 2026 through Advocate-on-Record (AOR) Dr Charu Mathur.This request seeks to respond to and follow guidelines regarding the performance of resident physicians. The UDF wants to establish working time limits, including 48 hours per week, eight working hours per day, mandatory weekly rest, adequate rest periods and protected time for resident doctors.The PIL seeks to regulate the working hours of resident doctorsThe UDF petition focuses on the status of resident doctors who provide medical care in all hospitals and clinics. The organization said that regular working hours and adequate rest arrangements are needed to address concerns about the health of doctors and the safety of patients.Resident physicians make up a large part of clinical work, handling patient responsibilities, emergency services, medical procedures and academic training. In a number of medical institutions, doctors in residency programs continue to work long hours with extensive training requirements and clinical responsibilities.Working conditions remain a concern for doctorsDoctors living across India often express concerns about long hours, short breaks, insufficient breaks between shifts and the difficulty of balancing between clinical work and studies. Many medical school graduates work in emergency departments, intensive care units and other critical areas where patient evaluation is required.Availability of adequate rest, regulated working hours and safe work procedures have remained a focus area for medical organizations and medical professionals. Doctors’ groups have said that fatigue caused by working long hours can affect the health of medical professionals and the care of patients.Demand for accountability and implementationThrough the PIL, the UDF has sought the implementation of the Residency Scheme, 1992, along with measures to ensure compliance with the working hours rules. The organization has emphasized the importance of having a working environment for resident doctors while maintaining the standards of providing medical care.This issue is considered in the discussions that are still taking place regarding the situation of the medical staff, including the work schedule, the safety of the workplace and the responsibility of the organization for the doctors who are in training.The Supreme Court order comes as resident doctors continue to seek a place to work, adequate rest and security during their training and work.