The AMA Safe Hours Audit 2011 data has revealed that Australian doctors are working continuously for up to 43 hours. This way they are not only risking their health, but as well as that of their patients.

In order to reach at the above given conclusion, the study researchers assessed 1486 hospitals in the country. Assessment revealed that 53% of the doctors were being categorized under extreme risk of fatigue.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) was stunned when it found that one doctor has worked for continuous 120 hours in a week. Geoffrey Dobb, who is vice -head of the AMA, was of the view that the matter is quite serious and requires immediate attention.

"There are studies that show that once you go beyond 17 hours then it is rather like working with a blood alcohol level of 0.05”, said Geoffrey Dobb. He recommended that rotational shifts are the best way to reduce fatigue among doctors.

Geoffrey Dobb said that it is expected that hospital authorities will take some action, without a need to warn them, but Dobb further said that there are very few chances that the authorities concerned take action and that too without any kind of regulation of being imposed on them.