Public inquiry badly needed

Kevin Kwong is to be congratulated for his article headlined, 'Ward weary' (South China Morning Post, October 25) about the appalling hours that young doctors are expected to work.

After research on human fatigue, many people in jobs critical to public safety, such as airline pilots, are restricted in the time they are allowed to work without sleep.

Modern medicine prides itself in being 'scientific'. Can anyone in that profession provide us with references to the scientific studies which have proved that the study of medicine gives immunity to this human fatigue phenomenon? If not, why is the Hospital Authority condoning dangerous practices by its employees which are not allowed in other public services? The need for a public inquiry is indicated.

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