Government medical college deans have largely expressed reservations over the government’s proposal to extend outpatient department (OPD) timings, arguing that the existing schedule adequately meets patient demand. They have warned that any extension would require a proportionate increase in doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, security personnel, housekeeping staff and other support workers.The concerns were raised during the first meeting of a newly constituted committee on Tuesday, which is examining the feasibility of extending OPD services across state-run medical colleges and hospitals.The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) constituted the 12-member committee through an order dated June 29 after observing that OPDs in government medical colleges generally function between 8 am and noon. Patients seeking consultations later in the day often have to rely on 24×7 casualty departments, which are primarily designed for emergency care and may not always be equipped to provide specialist OPD services.Headed by Joint Director (Medical) Dr Sudhir Medhekar, the committee comprises the deans of Government Medical College, Nagpur, and Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Hospital, along with representatives of the Maharashtra State Medical Teachers’ Association and the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD). It has been tasked with studying the proposal and submitting recommendations to the Medical Education Department.According to sources familiar with the deliberations, deans from several government medical colleges said any extension of OPD hours must be supported by corresponding increases in manpower and infrastructure. They noted that longer operating hours would require additional doctors, nurses, resident doctors, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, registration staff, security personnel, housekeeping workers and other support staff. Laboratories, radiology departments, pharmacies and registration counters would also need to remain operational during the extended hours to ensure uninterrupted patient care.Confirming that the committee’s deliberations are at an early stage, Dr Atharva Shinde, a committee member representing Central MARD, said Tuesday’s meeting marked the beginning of the consultation process.“This was the committee’s first meeting, and the discussions are still in the preliminary stage. Members shared their initial views, but no recommendation has been finalised. There will be further meetings, and suggestions from all stakeholders will be considered before the committee submits its report to the Medical Education Department,” Dr Shinde told Mumbai Mirror.Clarifying Central MARD’s stand, Dr Shinde said the association has not opposed the proposal.“We welcome any decision that improves patient care. However, if OPD timings are extended, the working hours of the entire hospital ecosystem should be aligned accordingly. The additional responsibility cannot fall solely on resident doctors. Doctors, nurses, laboratory staff, pharmacists, security personnel and all other support staff must also be available during the extended hours,” he said. He added that resident doctors already shoulder emergency duties, ward responsibilities, intensive care services, operating theatres and postgraduate academics.“Our concern is not with extending OPD services but with increasing only resident doctors’ duty hours. That would worsen fatigue, contribute to burnout and affect postgraduate academics. Any policy should strengthen the entire healthcare workforce rather than placing the additional burden on one section of employees,” Dr Shinde said.The committee will be hold further meetings before finalising its recommendations, which will be submitted to the Medical Education Department. The government will take a final decision after examining the committee’s report.

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