At least seven medical students of the Thiruvananthapuram government medical college hospital in Kerala have sought permission for wearing attire covering their heads while in operation theatre.
Citing their Islamic religious belief that mandates them to wear hijab all the time, the students demanded that the college principal allow them to wear long sleeve scrub jackets and surgical hoods inside the operation theatre.
The students claimed that the OT dress code required as part of hospital regulations makes it difficult for comply with the attire mandated by their religious belief.
Permitting long sleeve scrub jackets and surgical hoods would allow them to maintain sterile precautions as well as religious attire, the students said in their representation to college authorities.
The college principal Dr. Linet J Morris aid that he would call a meeting of surgeons and the infection control team to discuss the matter, adding that the team would decide on the request made by the students.
Deccan Herald quoted Dr.Morris as saying that he trying explaining the technical difficulties are involved in changing the operation theatre attire.
“We follow universal standards to ensure a sterile environment. I have told them that I am not in a position to decide on their request. A meeting of surgeons and infection control experts will be convened. Patient safety is of utmost priority. We will convene a committee and look at both sides and the focus will be on the safety of patients, which cannot be compromised.” Dr Morris said.
The demand from medical college students of Kerala appears to be inspired by ‘Hijab in OR’ movement by Deena Kishawi a Chicago based Muslim physician.
“Based on the alternatives for hospital personnel in other parts of the world, and based on what is available from companies that supply clothing for the operating room, alternatives have been identified.” Kishawi says in ‘About Us’ page of the personal website she maintains to promote the demand.
“Long sleeve scrub jackets should be made easily accessible in OR locker rooms for hijab-wearing women to wear over their scrubs until scrubbing in and donning sterile attire. Especially since no outside clothing is allowed, it would be most comfortable to have this on since long sleeves cannot be worn under scrubs.” she adds.