HYDERABAD: Over the years, doctors have often been associated with and recognised by the white coat they wear. Just like policemen and firemen who wear uniform, doctors too have donned the white coat to distinguish themselves from the rest and to display a mark of professionalism.
However, there is a significant chance of these of lab coats being exposed to various types of germs which are normally present in a hospital atmosphere. Most doctors continue to wear white aprons in several hospitals and health institutions.
“The white lab coat must be sterilised and washed every single day to prevent it from catching germs. Some doctors just hang the white coat for as long as 20 days without washing it properly. This increases the risk of attracting all kinds of germs and infections which could be harmful to patients,” warns Dr M Subrahmanyam, a leading anaesthesiologist in Hyderabad.
Even though it is not mandatory for doctors to wear the white apron in most hospitals, a significant number of them wear it as a symbol. “I feel that wearing white aprons is a very archaic concept. Most people wear it as a symbol of professional dignity but I think there are other ways of showing one’s professionalism,” he remarks.
Even though it may not be mandatory for all doctors to don the white apron, it is, however, compulsory for all medical students to wear it. Many students, especially those staying away from home, tend to hang their aprons in their hostel rooms or wear them to supermarkets, attracting all kinds of germs in the process. “It is mandatory for students to wear the white apron at hospitals. However, we are advised against wearing them in areas like ICU to avoid chances of sepsis,” says Kartik Valipay, an MBBS graduate.
Poor maintenance of these white aprons could cause many viral infections and flu-like syndromes among patients, say doctors. “Infection control is of utmost importance and it is imperative for health care professionals to properly maintain their white aprons. Sadly, a lot of young doctors and medical students treat the apron like an official uniform and keep it in their cars and on their couch. This could lead to viral infections, influenza, pneumonia and other harmful health problems,” warns Dr Prabhu Kumar Challagali, consultant (general medicine) at Care Hospital, Hyderabad.
Pointing out that countries like the UK have done away with the apron, he feels that it could still take some time for it to happen in India. “In India, it is a matter of respect and pride for a doctor to don the white apron and people here idolise doctors. It is important for people to change their mindset. If a doctor decides to wear the apron, then he/she must treat it with the honour and respect it deserves and must wash it every single day. There are so many micro-enzymes around us which can easily attract germs,” Dr Prabhu observes. So while the white apron represents pride, prestige, honour and dignity, it is up to doctors to decide if they really need it.