UP: Row erupts in Jaunpur after Muslim woman accuse doctor of 'refusing' to treat her

Jaunpur (UP), Oct 6 (PTI) A controversy erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur after a Muslim woman alleged that a doctor at the district hospital refused to treat her on religious grounds, an accusation denied by hospital authorities, officials said on Monday.

According to Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) Dr Mahendra Gupta, the woman, Shama Parveen, a Biribari village resident, was brought to the district women's hospital at around 9.30 pm September 30 for delivery.

A woman doctor on duty that night and had examined her, he said.

On October 1, a video surfaced on social media showing Shama Parveen alleging that the doctor on duty told her, "I will not treat a Muslim woman. I will not conduct your delivery," and directed the nurse not to take her to the operation theatre, asking her family to take her elsewhere.

The CMS said he was surprised by the allegations and sought an explanation from the doctor concerned.

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

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

The complaint was filed by CMS Dr Gupta at Kotwali police station, alleging that the two journalists forcibly entered the restricted labour room, filmed videos, and caused damage to hospital property.

The incident has sparked sharp political reactions.

Samajwadi Party MLA from Machhlishahr Dr Ragini Sonkar termed the case "shameful", saying, "It is the result of the communal tension spread across the state. No woman in labour pain would lie about being denied treatment." She said registering a case against journalists instead of acting against the accused doctor shows that the government "cannot accept the truth".

The MLA added that she would meet the district magistrate and, if needed, raise the matter in the Assembly.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Vikesh Upadhyay Vikki also 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, rubbished the opposition claims as baseless and aimed at fragmenting the 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. PTI COR KIS NB NB