Kashmiri Muslim Doctor Quits DNB Seat in Coimbatore Over Beard Row
In a case that has stirred debate over religious freedom, professional policies, and inclusivity in the medical field, a Kashmiri Muslim doctor has withdrawn from a prestigious DNB (Diplomate of National Board) Nephrology seat at Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, following a dispute over his beard.
The Incident: When Faith Meets Policy
Dr. Zubair Ahmad, a medical graduate from Jammu and Kashmir, was recently selected for a super-specialty course at KMCH. However, upon joining the institution, he was reportedly asked to sign a policy document that prohibited doctors from maintaining facial hair, unless for medical or institutional exceptions.
For Dr. Ahmad, this was not merely a matter of appearance but a religious obligation. He objected to the clause, asserting that his beard is part of his Islamic faith, protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and expression.
Doctor’s Response and Religious Concerns
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association (JKSA), Dr. Ahmad offered a compromise: to wear a surgical mask or beard cover in all clinical settings, in line with infection control and hygiene standards. However, the hospital administration reportedly remained firm on its demand for trimming or shaving the beard.
The JKSA, in its statement, described the KMCH directive as “discriminatory and unconstitutional,” urging the National Medical Commission (NMC) and National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to intervene and prevent such exclusions based on religious practices.
Hospital’s Stand: Hygiene or Discrimination?
Sources within KMCH claimed that the beard guideline was a part of standard clinical hygiene practices, particularly for professionals working in high-risk environments such as operating theatres. They emphasized that the hospital did not ask Dr. Ahmad to shave completely but suggested trimming the beard to allow proper seal of surgical masks and respirators.
“We have several Muslim students with neatly groomed beards currently pursuing various courses at our institution,” said a KMCH administrator. “The policy is based solely on hygienic practices and is not intended to target any religion.”
Legal and Constitutional Implications
Legal experts point out that while private institutions may draft internal hygiene and conduct codes, these cannot contravene fundamental rights. Article 25 grants every citizen the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject only to public order, morality, and health.
“If the beard does not compromise safety or violate infection control, insisting on shaving it could be seen as an infringement on religious liberty,” noted a senior constitutional lawyer.
Fallout and Future Course
Disappointed but resolute, Dr. Ahmad has withdrawn from the course and formally requested NBEMS to:
- Refund his security deposit of ₹2 lakh
- Allow him to reappear in the next round of counselling
The case has reignited conversations around inclusivity, secularism, and workplace accommodations in India’s healthcare system. It has also sparked solidarity from various civil rights organizations and medical professionals who advocate for balancing professional integrity with personal faith.
Bottom-Line: A Case Beyond One Hospital
Dr. Zubair Ahmad’s case is more than a policy dispute; it is emblematic of the larger challenge of aligning institutional protocols with constitutional values in a diverse society like India. As India continues to modernize its healthcare infrastructure and globalize its medical education, it must also strive to protect individual rights and religious freedom without compromising on medical safety.
The resolution of this case will likely set a precedent for similar conflicts in the future and may prompt regulatory bodies to issue clearer guidelines balancing professional standards and personal beliefs.
