Dr Nisha says producing the batik print hospital scrubs is her form of patriotism, and seeing others wearing them reminds her the Malaysian heritage is alive, adaptable and proudly worn. — Bernama
A Malaysian doctor seeking a practical and patriotic way to dress at work has started a quiet fashion trend by producing a range of hospital-compliant scrubs for healthcare employees.
Dr Nisha Puvan, who works in a government hospital in Kuala Lumpur, said it started as a passion project.
“Wearing vibrant (batik) prints lifted my spirits and created a positive effect on my colleagues and patients,” she told Bernama.
She founded clothing brand craftbynishapuvan which she runs from Subang Jaya, Selangor.
She said the idea took off during the Covid-19 movement control order in 2020 when she began making batik face masks.
In August 2023, when the Public Service Department issued a directive requiring civil servants, including doctors in public hospitals, to wear batik every Thursday, Dr Nisha decided to create batik scrubs for hospital staff.
To make sure the batik attire would not compromise on practicality and hygiene, she carried out research and tested fabrics that met infection-control standards to ensure they remained breathable, durable and colourfast.
“The scrubs had to be short-sleeved, free from embellishments that could potentially harbour bacteria and withstand frequent washing.
“I wore them daily – tweaking pocket sizes, material thickness and even testing how colours held up over time,” she said.
The scrubs, she said, were made from cotton-blend fabrics adorned with batik prints, handcrafted by local artisans using traditional techniques.
For Dr Nisha, functionality is key.
“Doctors are constantly on the move – from clinics to wards to emergency rooms – and we carry many items,” said the internal medicine specialist with a special interest in gastroenterology.
“So, I designed (scrubs with) large pockets and added tailored features without compromising style.”
Today, her scrubs are being worn by many doctors working in government and private hospitals and at private practices nationwide.
While she currently receives bulk orders from certain departments of government hospitals, Dr Nisha has expressed a desire to collaborate with the Health Ministry to supply batik scrubs to public hospitals on a larger scale.
She said some district hospitals ordered scrubs in specific colours – such as blue for Mondays and green for Tuesdays.
Her client base also included Malaysian professionals working abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom and Australia.
“It is mostly Malaysians abroad who want to wear something that connects them to home.
“Batik gives them a sense of pride in being Malaysian.”
Dr Nisha manages her business on her own – from handling her social media accounts and taking orders to quality control and packaging.
“It is a one-woman show. I have a couple of tailors, but I do everything else,” she said, adding that her four-year-old twin daughters were also involved in the creative process.
“If a print is not attractive, they will say so. It is my way of introducing them to their Malaysian heritage.”
Apart from scrubs, the brand also offers customised batik sarees, cheongsam, baju melayu, lehenga and coordinated family sets.
“We cater to all body types,” Dr Nisha said, adding that some families chose a single signature batik print and would request different styles to be made, such as a cheongsam for mum, Mandarin-collared shirt for dad and matching outfits for the children.
Recognising the need for modest wear among Muslim doctors, the brand is expanding its range of scrubs to include adjustable sleeves, longer tunics and higher necklines.
Sustainability is also a priority, with craftbynishapuvan using deadstock fabrics – leftover materials from larger productions – to reduce waste.
Dr Nisha attends to her business after working hours, often packaging orders at night while her children are asleep.
“When I am at work, I stay fully focused on my patients.
“Craft comes after-hours... it is how I unwind and recalibrate.”
Referring to her batik scrubs, she said: “This is my form of patriotism. A quiet pride.
“We may not realise it, but even what we wear can carry our identity, dignity and culture into places that feel cold and clinical.
“Every time I see a doctor in batik scrubs, not just in my hospital but any other place, it reminds me that the Malaysian heritage is alive, adaptable and proudly worn.”
