Andhra Hospitals Get Strict Guidelines On OT, ICU Uniform Usage

The Directorate of Medical Education (DME) has introduced stricter infection control measures across government medical colleges and teaching hospitals in Andhra Pradesh, directing doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel to wear operation theatre (OT) and intensive care unit (ICU) uniforms only in designated clinical areas. The move aims to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms and reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

In orders issued to hospital superintendents, DME Director Dr Vishnuvardhan instructed doctors, postgraduate students, interns, nursing personnel and other staff to avoid wearing specialised uniforms in general wards, outpatient departments (OPDs), corridors, offices, canteens and other common areas after completing their duties.

Although hospitals had previously received verbal instructions on the matter, the department has now issued formal written guidelines to ensure uniform implementation. The DME warned that moving between restricted clinical zones and public areas in the same clothing could contribute to cross-contamination and expose patients and visitors to infections.

Under the new guidelines, specialised clothing can be worn only inside operation theatre complexes, ICUs, labour rooms, catheterisation laboratories, transplant units and sterile zones of the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD).

Staff have been prohibited from wearing these uniforms in general wards, OPDs, lifts, waiting halls, administrative offices, libraries, hostels, parking areas and outside hospital premises. Personnel must change into the designated clothing before entering restricted zones and remove it before leaving. Caps, masks and shoe covers must also be taken off when exiting these areas. Footwear assigned to OTs and ICUs cannot be used elsewhere.

In emergencies requiring staff to step outside, they must cover their specialised clothing with a clean, full-length protective gown or coat. Fresh uniforms must be worn before re-entering the restricted areas.

Hospital superintendents have been instructed to maintain sufficient stocks of specialised clothing and introduce different uniform colours for OTs and ICUs. All such clothing must be cleaned through hospital laundry facilities. Separate changing rooms for male and female personnel must be established at the entrances of both departments.