White coats banned outside of workplace

The garment, which has been synonymous with the profession for decades, raised concerns among health officials after they noticed a number of doctors and medical students were seen entering mosques and markets while still adorning the work wear.

As a consequence, the ministry recently issued a circular to heads of medical districts, public and private facilities as well as deans of medical colleges, asking doctors and medical technicians to refrain from wearing the ‘white coat’ outside of their workplace.

“This is a serious behavioural issue,” said Dr Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Practice and Licensing at the ministry. He added that a number of international studies have shown that doctors’ coats act as catalyst in spreading disease.

“Studies have shown that the coats are a cause of hospital-acquired infections and if they are worn out of the workplace, the repercussions could be greater.”

A few years ago, Britain barred ties, lab coats, jewellery on the hands and wrists and long fingernails in the workplace because of the risk of infection and research shows that bacteria from a white cotton lab coat can cause infection just minutes after touching the skin.

“Samples taken from sleeves and pockets of coats found a large number of bacteria in these studies and due to this, some countries have banned doctors from wearing the coat outside the workplace,” said Dr Amiri.

Amiri said the ministry has taken these steps to improve public safety and protect the health of the community.

Khaleej Times spoke to a medical student, who approved the move. “It is an important reminder for all of us in the profession,” said Mariam Obaid.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com