A 19-year-old Sikh paramedic student from Monash University, Prabhjeet Gill, has won a case against Ambulance Victoria after he was asked to shave his beard before starting his on-the-job training, a demand made to meet PPE mask requirements.
Gill, who maintains his beard for religious reasons, had sought permission to use the “Singh Thattha method,” an alternative mask-fitting technique enabling bearded individuals to safely wear medical masks with the help of an elastic band. When the request was denied, he filed a formal complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission, accusing Ambulance Victoria of "discrimination on the grounds of race and religion," The Tribuna has reported.
The case sparked significant public attention, especially as Gill argued that his beard was “part of his identity,” and that shaving it would violate his religious beliefs.
Following the complaint, Ambulance Victoria revised its PPE policy to allow cultural and religious beards. In a letter to the commission dated November 24, the organisation acknowledged the issues raised by the student and its failure to accept his preferred method of mask fitting, as reported by The Tribune.
"Perhaps unbeknownst to Mr Gill, Ambulance Victoria has reconsidered its position regarding the 'Singh Thattha' method of mask fitting for PPE (personal protective equipment) and has recently engaged with Monash Health to assist with this method of mask fitting upon request by an AV employee," the statement said, as quoted by The Tribune.
The policy change is being viewed as a significant step toward inclusivity in healthcare settings, ensuring that religious practices and professional requirements can be accommodated without compromising safety.
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