- Friday, February 28, 2025
The principal of the medical college where the medical students are from said she would form a committee consisting of surgeons and the infection-control team to deliberate on the matter.
By: India Weekly Staff
SEVEN women students from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College in the southern Indian state of Karala recently approached the principal to seek permission for wearing long sleeve scrub jackets and surgical hoods within the operation theatre (OT).
In response, the principal said she would form a committee consisting of surgeons and the infection-control team to deliberate on the matter.
The students’ plea was rooted in their religious beliefs, which mandated them to cover their heads at all times. However, wearing a hijab inside the OT was deemed impractical due to the strict hygiene protocols in place. In light of this, the students explored alternative options and proposed the use of long-sleeve scrub jackets and surgical hoods.
Having received the request on Monday (26), the principal initiated a dialogue with the students, explaining the potential challenges associated with their proposal. She emphasised that, upon entering the OT, the students were required to thoroughly scrub and sterilise their hands up to the elbow, followed by the donning of gowns. Consequently, the addition of long sleeves could present logistical difficulties.
(With agency inputs)
