Muslim women doctors in UK must remove their face veil while treating patients, according to new guidelines issued by the General Medical Council, which regulates the country's medical profession.The GMC said doctors should be prepared to set aside personal and cultural preferences so that they don't compromise on patient care.The Council, in its new document ‘Personal Beliefs and Medical Practice’ said doctors must be open about procedures they object to because of their beliefs, such as abortion."Some patients, for example, may find that a face veil worn by their doctor presents an obstacle to effective communication and the development of trust. You must be prepared to respond to a patient's individual needs and take steps to anticipate and overcome any perceived barrier to communication," the document states.Women could wear the hijab, which covers the head, but not the face.The Muslim Council of Great Britain supported the GMC guidelines, saying that female Muslim doctors have a responsibility to put patient care first.Dr Abdullah Shehu, chairman of the Muslim Council's medical committee, said: "While wearing a veil does not preclude someone from practising medicine, there is no harm in removing it where the ability to communicate or care for the patient is compromised. The Muslim community very much welcomes this guidance."
