Replace torn, tattered scrubs with pyjamas that cover our bodies: Angry PGI surgeons write to faculty

Imagine a surgeon operating on patients while outfitted in ill-fitting or tattered clothing. How are they supposed to be comfortable performing surgery when they themselves are uncomfortable in their scrubs. That’s what a senior doctor from Chandigarh’s Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) has written in his critical letter to the faculty of the institution, according to a report in The Indian Express. [caption id=“attachment_2265062” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. IBNLIve[/caption] The report quotes the letter, dated 18 May, as saying “Please provide decent clothes to cover our bodies in the Operation Theatre (OT). Kindly provide us pyjamas which actually cover the legs and shirts which actually have buttons.” While the cause of the scathing letter is not known, it is apparent that this is not the first complaint. Another surgeon was quoted by The Indian Express as saying, “The scrubs which are provided to surgeons in PGI are even worse than the clothes of beggars. You will find them torn at various places, buttons will be missing from the shirts and we have to tie belts to fix our pajamas” Another doctor told the newspaper that “Often you will see doctors rushing inside operation theatres for surgeries, in semi-naked condition. Pants and shirts will be torn at various places, and they cannot waste their time choosing their scrubs. We find it very insulting, but what can we do? Can the PGI administration not provide these basic things to surgeons." If this is true, then these are deplorable conditions for surgeons to operate in. It is important that scrubs to be worn inside the Operation Theatre are clean and cover the surgeon complete for sanitary purposes. If these are torn and and unfit, then it could affect the doctor’s performance. In response to the letter, Dr TD Yadav, President, PGI, Faculty Association told The Indian Express, “The problem of non-availability of decent clothes and adequate number of slippers has been there for a long time. In the near future, we are going to raise the issue with the Director, PGI.” PGI’s spokesperson has said that they will look into the matter, continues the report.