Muslim Woman Alleges Religious Discrimination by Doctor in UP Hospital: Investigation Underway

Jaunpur:

In Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur, a controversial situation has emerged after a Muslim woman claimed that a doctor at the district hospital refused to provide treatment due to her religion, an allegation that hospital officials have denied.

According to Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) Dr. Mahendra Gupta, Shama Parveen, who resides in Biribari village, was brought to the district women's hospital around 9:30 pm on September 30 for delivery services. She was examined by a female doctor who was on duty that night.

On October 1, a video appeared on social media platforms allegedly showing Shama Parveen claiming that the doctor on duty told her, "I will not treat a Muslim woman. I will not conduct your delivery," and instructed the nurse not to take her to the operation theater, suggesting that her family should seek medical attention elsewhere.

The CMS expressed surprise regarding these allegations and requested an explanation from the doctor in question.

"The doctor denied making any such remark based on religion. An inquiry has been conducted into the matter, and the higher authorities have been informed," he stated.

Meanwhile, police have filed an FIR against two local journalists, Mayank Srivastava and Mohammad Usman, who allegedly circulated the video on social media.

The complaint was lodged by the CMS at the Kotwali police station, alleging that the two journalists forcibly entered the labor room, recorded videos, and damaged hospital property.

The incident has triggered strong political responses.

Samajwadi Party MLA from Machhlishahr, Ragini Sonkar, described the case as "shameful," stating, "It is the result of the communal tension spread across the state. No woman in labor pain would lie about being denied treatment." She criticized the registration of a case against journalists instead of taking action against the accused doctor, suggesting that the government "cannot accept the truth."

The MLA mentioned that she would meet with the district magistrate and, if necessary, raise the issue in the Assembly.

Additionally, Congress leader Vikesh Upadhyay Vikki condemned the incident, saying, "It is extremely shameful that a doctor, who has taken an oath to serve all sections of society, refused treatment on religious grounds. The victim has no caste or religion in such situations. Strict action should be taken."

BJP spokesperson Avnish Tyagi, however, dismissed the opposition's claims as baseless and intended to divide society.

"Public welfare schemes have been doled out to all sections of society on the lines of government's 'Sabka saath sabka vikas' motto, be it homes, health care, ration distribution, and other schemes there is no discrimination in the Yogi Adityanath-led government," Tyagi told PTI.