Haryana Health and Family Welfare Minister Anil Vij on Friday said a dress code will now be applicable for all staff working in the state government-run health facilities

Speaking to reporters, the minister said he had recently given direction to make uniform mandatory in all medical facilities of Haryana. It will now be mandatory for every employee to wear proper uniform and the designing of the uniform is in the final stage.

The minister said when one goes to a private hospital, not a single employee is seen without uniform, while in a government hospital it is difficult to differentiate between a patient and an employee.

Justifying the dress code policy, he said, “A well followed dress code policy in a hospital not only gives the employee his professional image but also it presents an elegant image of an organization among the public. The purpose of the dress code policy is to maintain discipline, uniformity and equality among staff.”

Vij said the general guidelines of this policy that all hospital staff should be in proper uniform during working hours. Non-adherence to the dress code shall lead to disciplinary action. The employee shall be marked absent for that day, he added.

He said, “Funky hair styles, heavy jewellery, accessories, makeup, long nails during working hours are unacceptable especially in the health facilities centres.” Name of the employee and designation will be mentioned on the uniform name plate tag.

Black pants with white shirt along with name plate tag will be worn by any trainee of the respective designation except for the nursing cadre, the minister said adding dress code will be applicable 24 hours a day, seven days a week including weekends, evenings and night shifts.

Vij said every employee’s hair must be clean, well groomed and neat. “Men’s hair should be no longer than collar length and not to interfere with the patient’s care. Unusual hairstyles and unconventional haircuts are not permitted. Nails must be clean, trimmed and well-manicured,” he added.

“Slacks, dresses, skirts and palazzos will not be permitted. T shirts, stretch T-shirts, stretch pants, fitting pants, leather pants, capri, sweatpants, tank tops, see through dress or top, crop top, off shoulder dresses, sneakers, slippers etc. are not permitted. Footwear must be black, clean, comfortable and free from all funky designs,” he added.

A letter has been issued by the Director General of Health Services Department to all the civil surgeons in which the direction has been issued to implement the dress policy.