• Hinduism has no formal structure, but is the result of 5000 years of cultural development.  It includes a number of extremely diverse, traditional and cultural beliefs and practices.  However there is a baseline of faith common to all sects.
  • Central to Hinduism is reincarnation and the principal of action i.e. one has to face the consequences of actions in past lives.
  • It is extremely important to the Hindu patient that they are allowed to practice their religion in hospital.
  • Female patients prefer a female doctor and consideration should be given to their modesty.
  • Running water or a jug of water in the same room as the toilet is required, if a bedpan is used a bowl of hot water must be offered afterwards, ablutions are important.
  • Avoid using the left hand unnecessarily with patients.  This hand is regarded as unclean.
  • Hindus require time for meditation and may require somewhere to be alone.  A volume of the Bhagavad Gita may be offered.
  • The patient may require to lie on the floor.  The patient may wish to keep small idols or pictures of Gods at the bedside.
  •  The family may wish to stay with the patient at all times.
  • The eating of beef is forbidden and pork is not usually acceptable.
  • Many Hindus are vegetarians and do not eat eggs.
  • They dislike plates that have been used for non-vegetarian food.
  • Cows milk is acceptable to most Hindus.
  • Wherever possible Hindu patients prefer to die at home.  This has religious significance and death in hospital can cause great distress.
  • Before death a Hindu desires to offer food and articles of use to the needy, religious persons and the Temple.  These gifts will be brought by the relatives for the patient to touch.
  • Careful explanation and practical help may be needed to assist relatives in coping  with the unfamiliar organisational side of death in Britain.  Hindu priests can be very helpful.
  • Always consult the family, asking if they wish to perform the last rites, as distress may be caused if the body is touched by non-Hindus.
  • There are no religious objections to transplants.
  • Post Mortems are disliked but are accepted if required by law
  • Hindus are always cremated.