Thiruvananthapuram: IMA Kerala has expressed its opinion on the request of a group of female Muslim MBBS students in a government medical college to allow them to wear hijabs inside operation theatres. 

“In hospitals, top priority is given to the safety of patients. There is a globally accepted dress code for medicos who conduct surgeries. IMA will continue to stick with the protocols and is not ready to compromise on patient safety,” said Dr Zulfi Nuhu, in response to the students’ plea.   

Seven students from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College had expressed concern over not being allowed to wear hijab inside operation theatres and sought permission to don long-sleeve scrub jackets and surgical hoods at the earliest. They sent a request letter to the Thiruvananthapuram government medical college principal Dr Linnette J Morris, seeking permission for the same.

Acknowledging their letter, Morris assured the students that a final decision will be taken on the issue within two weeks after holding an expert committee meeting. IMA Kerala's opinion comes at this juncture.