Student of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College seeks permission to cover head and hands as hijab cannot be worn in operation theatre

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The students of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College wrote a letter to their principal seeking permission to cover their head and hands as hijab cannot be worn in the operation theatre. A student of 2020 MBBS batch gave the letter to her principal Lynette J Morris. The letter has the signatures of six female students of 2018, 2021 and 2022 batches.

As per religious beliefs, Muslim women should cover their heads in any situation. There is a situation where it is not possible to wear hijab according to hospital norms and following operation room instructions. In many other parts of the world, there are companies that provide this type of hospital clothing. A long-sleeved scrub jacket and surgical hood are also available in hygienic options. The students sought to bring attention to this issue and allow them to wear scrub jackets with long sleeves and surgical hoods in the operation theatre.

Medical College Principal Dr Lynette Morris said that such a demand has arisen from the side of the students and had informed them to discuss it. The principal received the letter containing the signatures of the students of various batches on June 26. The letter was given by third year MBBS students. Wearing a full-sleeved dress can make things difficult in the operation theatre. Hands need to be washed frequently. Hands should be kept clean when attending patients. Otherwise, there may be problems like infection. The principal said that she has explained to the students that such things would make it difficult to wear clothes that cover their hands.

There are clear understandings of what needs to be done in the operation theatre. Frequent hand washing is common in operation rooms. Have told this to the students and they have understood that. We follow internationally recognized conventions. A decision has been taken to examine the demand of the students’ after convening a meet. The principal also stated that the students have been informed about this.