DODA, October 3: The administration of Government Medical College and Hospital, Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, has constituted a seven-member inquiry panel after nursing interns protested against alleged restrictions on wearing burqas or veils inside the gynaecology department’s labour room.
The students alleged that some interns were asked to leave or remain outside the labour room because of their attire. Hospital officials, however, said the instructions were related to hygiene and infection-control protocols rather than religious restrictions.
Nursing Interns Stage Protest
Nursing interns held a demonstration inside the hospital premises and temporarily boycotted work over the alleged dress restrictions.
The protesters said the instructions interfered with their religious practices and sought clarification from the hospital administration.
Student Allegedly Asked to Leave Labour Room
According to the protesting interns, a nursing student was allegedly asked to leave the labour room while wearing a veil.
Students also claimed that two other interns were subsequently asked to remain outside under similar circumstances.
Hospital Says Issue Was About Hygiene
Hospital officials said the instructions were connected with clinical hygiene requirements in sensitive areas such as labour rooms and operation theatres.
According to the administration, interns had been asked to secure loose clothing and wear prescribed medical gowns in accordance with infection-control protocols.
Seven-Member Inquiry Panel Formed
Following the protest, the hospital administration constituted a seven-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the dispute.
The panel is expected to examine the students’ allegations, applicable hospital protocols and the events that led to the demonstration.
Administration Calls It a Miscommunication
In-charge Medical Superintendent Dr Irfan Tassaduq described the controversy as a result of miscommunication.
He said hygiene rules apply to all healthcare workers entering sensitive clinical areas, including doctors, nurses and trainees.
Protest Called Off After Intervention
The demonstration was called off after hospital authorities intervened and assured students that their concerns would be examined.
Normal hospital functioning was subsequently restored while the inquiry process moved forward.
Inquiry to Establish What Happened
The committee will now determine whether the students were subjected to restrictions specifically because of religious attire or whether the instructions were part of generally applicable medical and hygiene requirements.
The findings are expected to provide clarity on the hospital’s dress and infection-control protocols for trainees working in sensitive clinical areas.
Source – The Indian Express / NDTV The Indian Express
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