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The National Doctors’ Day is celebrated on July 1 each year in India. The society at large considers the medical profession as noble; doctors are often termed as life savers across the world. Despite this status accorded to them, one of the emerging paradoxes of the decade has been the status of student doctors – the resident medical officers (RMOs). Their situation has been marred with prohibitive work hours, inhumane living conditions and poor pay. 

Added to these are issues of hostile work environment and normalisation of sexual harassment by senior academicians and colleagues. Media has consistently reported on a pattern of overwork, under pay and violence against RMOs. The sexual assault and subsequent murder of a young female RMO last year highlighted serious lacunae in the safety protocols, infrastructure and oversight of medical administration. However, as soon as media attention dried up, public scrutiny related to the status of RMOs reduced.

CEHAT, a non-profit research organisation, has closely engaged with health professionals on an array of issues. We felt that a rapid survey with RMOs of Maharashtra can help spotlight issues affecting them and identify priority areas for action by administrative authorities. The survey focused on recurring issues of long work hours, poor work conditions, delayed remuneration and its impact on physical and mental health. 

CEHAT has also analysed 47 print and online news reports (January-November 2025) on problems faced by resident doctors.  The team realised that RMOs did not even have the time to respond to the survey. Despite collaboration with Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) and consistent follow ups through medical colleges and social media, a meagre 55 of approximately 10,000 RMOs (Maharashtra) responded to the rapid survey. 

Majority of the respondents – 49 out of 55 – were from government medical colleges. Even if the survey carried explicit informed consent, as senior residents disclosed, fear of authorities, disclosure of identity and excessive workload could deter their participation in the survey. Although less than 1% of RMO’s undertook the survey, their responses indicate consistent lack of........

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