• Says Muslim female health assistants would have to follow rules, regulations 

In the wake of the controversy at the Kalmunai North Base Hospital over several newly appointed female Muslim Health Assistants being prevented from assuming duties over their religious attire, Health Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said the officers would have to adhere to the Health Ministry’s approved uniform regulations until any changes to the existing rules are considered and formally approved.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday (20), he said the Ministry has a Uniform Committee which approves the uniforms prescribed for each category of health worker, and that any change to an approved uniform must first be submitted to the said Committee for approval.

"Uniforms in the health sector were introduced to make it easier for patients and members of the public to identify different categories of staff, and also with hygiene, patient care and infection control in mind. The existing system is based on a 2019 circular." He also said that uniform entitlements apply to several categories of health workers, including nursing officers, Public Health Midwives, Public Health Inspectors, Malaria and Filariasis Control Assistants, Public Health Field Officers, Entomology Assistants, School Dental Therapists, junior health staff and health assistants.

"Those entitled to uniforms are also paid a uniform allowance. There is no provision to add parts to it or remove parts from it without the approval of the relevant Committee.” He added that he is pleased to see more young Muslim women joining the health service and acknowledged that they had their own cultural identity. However, he said that public servants are required to work within the rules and circulars governing the public service. “They have their own cultural identity. But, there are circulars, and we have to carry out public service duties according to those circulars,” he said.

Dr Jayatissa said that the Government would consider whether changes should be made to the existing circular, adding that any such a change could be proposed either in Parliament or outside Parliament. As a temporary measure, he said that the affected officers have been attached to the nearest hospital until a solution to the issue is reached. “We will look at what changes, if any, need to be made to the circular in the future.”

The controversy arose at the said Hospital after allegations that several newly appointed female Muslim Health Assistants were prevented from assuming their duties because of their religious attire. Five formal complaints have subsequently been lodged with the Kalmunai Regional Office of the Human Rights Commission, alleging that the staff members’ Fundamental Rights had been violated.