Kashmiri doctor forced to withdraw nephrology seat after hospital insists on beard trimming

Dr Zubair Ahmed, a 31-year-old Kashmiri doctor, withdrew from his nephrology seat at Kovai Medical Centre & Hospital (KMCH) in Coimbatore after allegedly being asked to trim his beard to comply with hospital grooming norms.

He had offered to cover his beard with a surgical mask, but the hospital maintained that all staff needed to adhere to clean-shaven appearance, including trainees.

The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association condemned the hospital’s stance as discriminatory and unconstitutional under Article 25, which safeguards religious freedom. They appealed to Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin for intervention, arguing the policy violates inclusivity and religious rights.

KMCH vice-president R. Narayanan clarified the policy requires a “trimmed beard,” not complete shaving, for hygiene standards in high-risk departments like nephrology.

He added Dr Ahmed chose to withdraw and that senior doctors with neatly trimmed beards are allowed under the same rules .

Dr Ahmed has requested NBEMS to allow participation in the next counselling round and a refund of his ₹2 lakh security deposit. The board had extended his joining deadline to June 26, but Dr Ahmed did not report .