CHENNAI: Decades after Independence, government nurses in hospitals across Tamil Nadu may finally move on from British-era uniforms that they have been sporting all these years to modern workplace attire.
The proposed uniform comprises of white trousers, a shirt with an overcoat and cap, and canvas shoes with socks for entry-level nurses; white saree with overcoat and cap, and canvas shoes for Grade I-II-III nurses (women); and white trousers, shirt and overcoat with shoulder straps for male nurses.
The proposal was moved by the Tamil Nadu Government Nurses Association, which has over 20,000 members, including contractual nurses, after a large number of its members — particularly younger staff — wanted the age-old uniform to be changed because of the discomforts faced while at work.
“What we’ll be wearing hereon is a slightly-modified version of the uniform that was introduced in the British period,” said T Leelavathi, secretary of the association.
Currently, entry level female nurses wear white gowns with an apron over it, a belt, cap, and long stockings with buckle sandals. Grade I-II-III nurses wear the gown with full hand sleeves, a bigger cap than juniors, and long stockings with buckle sandals.
For male nurses, the uniform is a simple pair of white trousers and shirt.
But the job is challenging, and the present uniform is not considered convenient in the modern day workplace, said P Arreevhukkann, president of the association. “Younger staff are also conscious when they bend or climb up stairs. So they wanted a convenient uniform on par with private hospital nurses,” she added.
The matter was discussed and approved by the State government at the recent Seventh Pay Commission meeting, Leelavathi added. “It was a reasonable request from nurses, as they’re not comfortable with the present uniform. So it’ll definitely be considered after getting appropriate clearance,” a senior health department official told Express.
Leelavathi added the proposal was also sent to the Tamil Nadu Nurses and Midwives Council, and it had accepted it.
However, there are a few government nurses who are reluctant to do away with the uniform with which they have identified themselves for decades.“This has been our identity for decades. No matter how many personal problems I have at home, I leave all those behind after donning this uniform and start work afresh each day. I’m not okay with doing away with the uniform, because then there will be no difference between private and government hospital nurses,” said a nurse at the Government Royapettah Hospital, who did not want to be named.
Par pay in uniform allowance
Government nurses have also sought increase in uniform allowance, on par with private hospitals. Currently, govt pays D1,800 uniform allowance per year, while it is D750 per month in private hospitals.
According to nurses, the amount is not sufficient for uniforms, as they have to keep four or five sets, given nature of their job. “From blood stains to other body fluids, uniforms get soiled so often that we keep a spare at the hospital for such emergencies,” said a nurse.