Understanding the Colour Code of Scrubs in Sri Lanka’s Healthcare System

In Sri Lanka’s healthcare environment, uniforms play a crucial role in maintaining professionalism, hygiene, and visual clarity across various medical departments. Among the most recognizable elements of this uniform culture is the colour-coded scrub system, which helps patients, staff, and visitors quickly identify the roles and responsibilities of healthcare personnel.

Why Scrub Colour Matters

Colour coding in medical scrubs isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about communication. With a glance, patients can distinguish doctors from nurses, or surgeons from administrative staff. This improves workflow efficiency and builds a sense of trust, especially in high-pressure situations like emergency care or surgery.

Common Scrub Colours and Their Meanings in Sri Lanka

While the colour coding system may vary slightly between government and private hospitals, as well as between institutions, here are the general standards followed in many public healthcare facilities in Sri Lanka:

• Light Blue / Sky Blue – Nurses: This is one of the most common colours seen in hospitals. Nursing staff usually wear light blue uniforms or scrubs, which symbolize calmness and care.

• Navy Blue – Male Nursing Staff / Ward Attendants: In some hospitals, male nursing staff or attendants wear darker blue uniforms, distinguishing them from female nurses.

• White Coats over Scrubs – Doctors: Most doctors wear regular clothing with a white lab coat, but in operating theatres or during procedures, they often wear green or teal scrubs.

• Green / Teal – Surgeons and Theatre Staff: These colours are associated with surgery. The green hue helps reduce eye strain during long operations and minimizes the appearance of blood stains.

• Maroon / Burgundy – Senior Nursing Officers / Supervisory Staff: A deeper maroon or burgundy scrub is often worn by nurse supervisors or matron-level staff.

• Purple / Lavender – Medical Laboratory Technicians or Pharmacists: Some healthcare institutions use these colours to designate lab and pharmacy staff.

• Pink – Maternity Nurses: In maternity wards, nurses may wear pink scrubs to create a softer, more comforting atmosphere for patients.

• Grey or Brown – Support Staff / Cleaning Services: These neutral tones are usually reserved for janitorial staff and housekeeping teams.

Private Hospitals and Variations

In Sri Lanka’s private healthcare sector (such as Asiri, Nawaloka, or Hemas hospitals), scrub colours may be more brand-oriented or department-specific. Each hospital might have its own internal uniform policy, sometimes including embroidered logos or name tags that further help with identification.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the colour coding of medical scrubs in Sri Lanka is a small but significant step toward improving healthcare navigation and patient interaction. Whether you’re a patient, a medical student, or a hospital visitor, recognising these uniforms can help you find the right person when it matters most.