Two Canadian physicians who practice the Sikh religion have come to the painful conclusion that to continue treating patients with the Covid-19 virus, they must remove their beards, which is a fundamental part of their faith. Their choice has created a discussion among Sikhs, particularly among those working in the medical field, who believe that there are options other than shaving.
An emergency doctor and physician at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) in Montreal named Dr. Sanjeet Singh-Saluja stated that he and his brother, who is also a doctor, shaved their beards so that they could correctly use N95 face masks, which offer protection from the coronavirus.
In a video explaining his decision, Singh-Saluja said that seva, which can be translated as "service to mankind," is considered to be one of the major tenets of the Sikh religion. His job at the McGill University Health Center has always been seen as an opportunity to meet the standards of service that are outlined by his faith. He further said,
“However, another pillar of the faith, as many of you know, is ‘Kesh’, which is the practice of allowing one’s hair to grow naturally out of respect for the perfection of God’s creation. In this time of the pandemic, I am faced with an existential crisis as the latter has severely limited my ability to serve.”
Choosing between kesh and seva
According to what Singh-Saluja said in the video, the brothers had to make the difficult decision of either removing their beards or avoiding contact with Covid-19 patients until appropriate protection was made available to them. The two doctors felt it was their religious obligation to serve, in addition to their vows as physicians, thus they picked the latter option.
They shared that it was a difficult decision that they made after several weeks of soul-searching and sleepless nights. It was a tough decision, but they felt that it was the need of the hour. However, the brothers also said that it is something that left them in great sadness. They mourn the decision because it made them lose a major part of their Sikh identity.
When asked, MUHC declined to comment on the incident. They said that it was a personal decision of the brothers.
Sikh community rallies for alternatives
The choice of the brothers to shave their beards has touched the hearts and minds of Sikhs all over North America. Since many hospitals lack proper personal protective equipment (PPE) that may be utilized in place of face masks, other Sikh healthcare professionals may be forced to make similar decisions as the pandemic persists.
There are two types of respiratory protection equipment that are designed to tolerate facial hair while still protecting a worker's head, face, eyes, and ears. These types of respirators are known as controlled air-purifying respirators (CAPR) and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR). However, because hospitals are already having trouble finding gowns, gloves, N95 respirators, and goggles, CAPRs and PAPRs, which are more expensive, are even harder to find.
Despite this, Sikh community organizations want members of the medical profession to be aware that there are alternatives to shaving.
Response on the incident by the Healthcare Association
The North American Sikh Medical and Dental Association (NASMDA) sent a letter to its members in which it announced that it has formed a partnership with the Sikh Coalition, an organization that advocates for the rights of Sikh people, to offer emotional support and legal counsel to healthcare workers who are concerned that they may be required to shave their beards to continue working in the medical field. They also mentioned that they are discussing the decision of a Canadian Sikh doctor and his brother to share their beards to wear particular personal protection equipment (PPE).
“As fellow Sikh providers who are also facing this pandemic, we are deeply saddened to learn of anyone who feels like they must make this false choice and that they are not in a position to practice their faith fearlessly.”
NASMDA has stated that they do not desire to pass judgment on the brothers, but what they have decided should not have an effect on how other Sikhs provide medical treatment. In addition, the letter mentioned that the Sikh Coalition may assist workers in acquiring various types of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as PAPRs and CAPRs.
Dr. Jaspal Singh, a professor of medicine at the Atrium Health and the Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina, told CNN, “Sikh healthcare workers should not be forced to make a choice between their career and their faith. Forcing people to compromise their constitutionally-protected beliefs is unacceptable.”
“Hospitals and medical practices have to recognize that Sikhs have a constitutionally and statutorily protected right to freedom of religion in the workplace. Asking Sikhs to shave is not, in legal terms, the ‘least restrictive means’ to allow them to maintain their religious beliefs and serve in their profession. There are multiple alternatives that Sikhs and others can and should be provided.”
The Sikh Coalition has said that any Sikh medical professionals facing similar decisions may reach out for help.