An Indian doctor has issued a call for a ban on the ubiquitous medical white coats, warning that the symbolic attire adopted by the medical profession in the 19th century can spread lethal infections. Edmond Fernandes, a community medicine specialist at the Yenepoya University, Mangalore, says there is sufficient research evidence to show that the long-sleeved coats may spread infections and cause avoidable harm to patients.
In a paper published today in the British Medical Journal, Fernandes has called on India's health ministry to ban doctors and medical students from wearing white coats, saying such a move would reduce harm and costs that come from hospital-acquired infections that patients pick up during their stay in hospitals. "The coats are nothing but symbolism over substance, but they continue to be used either under rules or through a misplaced sense of pride - they should…
