Kalmunai health workers wearing 'unofficial' attire is an issue

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, states that officers in the health sector who have prescribed uniforms must compulsorily wear those uniforms while on duty. He further mentions that if a change in uniform is required due to cultural, climatic, or any other reason, a request must be submitted to the Uniform Committee of the Ministry of Health.

Commenting on the controversial incident that recently occurred at Kalmunai North Base Hospital, the Deputy Minister stated that the problem was related to uniforms. He said that he does not know exactly what happened during that incident or who obstructed the duties of those officers, and although information regarding this was reported to the Ministry last week, he did not directly intervene.

Explaining the Ministry's policy, the Minister pointed out that there are nearly 300 professions in the health sector, and while some professions have prescribed uniforms, others do not. For example, officers in the clerical service do not have a special uniform, and employees who do not have uniforms can report to duty dressed appropriately. However, in fields where uniforms are prescribed, officers must wear that uniform when performing their duties.

If there are difficulties in wearing the existing uniform due to climatic or cultural reasons, there is an opportunity to appeal to the Uniform Committee requesting necessary changes, stating that the uniform cannot be worn as it is. No one can automatically change uniforms as they wish, and if, for any reason, a Sikh individual joins the health service and a change in attire is required due to their religious or cultural needs, those proposed changes must also be considered by the relevant Uniform Committee.