In a significant step toward enhancing transparency, professionalism, and patient care in public healthcare institutions, the Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has issued a new directive requiring all doctors and paramedical staff to wear white aprons and clearly visible nameplates during working hours.
The circular, dated July 25, 2025, and issued by Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah (IAS), Secretary to the Government, addresses growing concerns over the non-compliance of medical staff with the standard dress code across government hospitals and health centres.
“It has been observed that doctors and paramedical staff in various government healthcare institutions are not strictly adhering to the prescribed norms regarding the wearing of aprons and displaying of nameplates,” the circular stated, adding that such lapses are causing difficulty for patients in identifying healthcare personnel.
Key Directives of the Circular:
- All doctors, including those engaged under the National Health Mission (NHM) and Ayush, must wear white aprons during duty hours.
- Paramedical staff are also directed to adhere to the same dress code.
- Legible nameplates displaying full names and designations must be worn at all times during working hours.
Enforcement Responsibility:
The circular has placed the onus of implementation on:
- Heads of healthcare institutions
- Medical Superintendents
- Chief Medical Officers
They have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the new uniform and identification policy across all government-run health facilities in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
This directive is expected to foster a more transparent and patient-friendly environment in government hospitals and clinics, helping patients easily recognize and approach medical professionals. The move also reinforces accountability and discipline among healthcare workers.
In recent inspections and public feedback, instances of doctors and staff attending duty without proper uniforms or identification were reported, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction among patients. The new policy aims to standardize professional appearance and ensure that patients feel safe and informed about who is providing their medical care.
Healthcare authorities are expected to begin monitoring compliance immediately, with potential disciplinary action for continued violations.
