Muslim students of Government Medical College in Kerala demand to wear hijab in operation theatres

The college rejected the demand and formed a committee

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) – Seven MBBS students of a Government Medical College here sought permission to wear hijab in the operation theatre. In a letter to the principal they said, “Hijab-wearing women have a difficult time finding a balance between donning the compliant religious attire and maintaining modesty while also complying with hospital and operation room regulations.”

Principal Dr Linette J Morris said it is not practically possible to wear long-sleeve jackets, as they demand, inside the theatres as several rounds of scrub-up (washing up to the elbow in running water) are involved while doing a surgical procedure or assisting in it. It is a globally accepted procedure and practice inside the operation theatre, she explained.

(Credit : CNN News18)

She said the operation theatre is a highly sterile zone, and the health and safety of patients are of utmost priority there. Morris said she assured them she would form a committee of surgeons to look into the matter.

Editorial perspective

Making such demands is an attempt to show the independent existence of one’s own religion. Many Hindu female students never apply kumkum on their forehead, will they ever show such pride in their Dharma ?