Chennai medical exhibition calls for doctors with designer looks

It was a medical exhibition with a difference. Fashion designing students showcased how by changing the way medical professionals carry themselves in regular uniforms, they can add fresh vigour to their profession.

By Arun Kannnan

Chennai, Aug.7 : It was a medical exhibition with a difference. Fashion designing students showcased how by changing the way medical professionals carry themselves in regular uniforms, they can add fresh vigour to their profession.

The three-day international exhibition "MEDICALL-2007" at Chennai's Rajah Muthiah Hall put on display diagnostic kits and other medical aids, and was a major hit here.

Fashion designing students of the premier National Institute of Fashion Designing (NIFT) from Tirpur and Chennai presented models attired in various colour schemes for medical uniforms.

A wide range of dresses for staff nurses, ward boys and girls, especially those working in children's wards, casualty and emergency wings, technicians and doctors, was also showcased.

It was a unique experience for the 12 girls and six boys who participated in the cat walk.

"It was the first time that I did a medical fashion show, so it was quite different," said Sowmya, a fashion designer and model.

"I have participated in many fashion shows, but this is very different and I liked it," said Tanu, a student of the National Institute of Fashion Technology.

The colours were different from the conventional norms followed by the hospital staff that is usually pure white or light blue.

Over 200 companies, including Chinese companies took part in the event.

The objective of the exhibition was to spread awareness in the health industry on the need for upgrading knowledge and medical equipment.

Representatives of hospitals, nursing homes, pathological and diagnostic laboratories from across the country attended the exhibition-cum-medical fashion show.

Related services like health insurance also made their presence felt at the venue.

According to S Manivannan , Chief Executive Officer of MEDICALL, this type of fashion show is different and unique since the objective was related to the patient's early recovery and convalescence.

"When a patient enters into the hospital he is already sick. The light arrangement, paint on the wall or colour has to be pleasing. Similarly, the dress of the staff, technician or a doctor should be very pleasing for the benefit o the patient," said S. Manivannan.

"We are doing a project with the National Institute of Fashion Technology... for designing of hospital garments for the hospital. National Institute of Fashion Technology students conducted the show. It was not a glamorous fashion show. It was a functional fashion show and done in a pleasant way," he added.

ANI