The pregnant patient’s account in Uttar Pradesh adds to rising concern over religious discrimination in medical care across India; civil society demands urgent inquiry and accountability
LUCKNOW — An expecting Muslim woman has accused a doctor at Jaunpur Women’s District Hospital in Uttar Pradesh of refusing to treat her because of her religious identity, raising fresh alarm about religious bias inside a place that should be safe for all patients.
Shama Parveen, a resident of Chandwak, was admitted to the hospital after experiencing labour pains on 30 September. She says that while other patients were seen by the same female doctor that day, she was singled out and denied care. “The doctor said she would not see me because I am Muslim,” Shama told reporters. “She instructed other staff not to take me to the operation theatre.”
“She refused to carry out my delivery. I told her that she is discriminating between Hindus and Muslims. There was another Muslim woman there who was also not receiving treatment,” she added.
Sham’s husband, Arman, also confirmed the incident to local reporters, stating that his wife, along with another Muslim woman, was denied treatment by the doctor due to their religious identity.
The claim has prompted the hospital administration to seek written explanation from the accused doctor and hospital staff. “We have taken cognizance of the complaint and have sought an explanation from the doctor and staff,” said the hospital’s CMS Mahendra Gupta.
The allegation has struck a nerve locally. Hospitals are expected to provide care without regard to religion, caste, gender or politics, yet patients who are already vulnerable say they are now facing another barrier: being treated as less deserving of care because of their faith.
Shama’s account, if proven, would be one of several reported incidents in recent months where patients say they were refused treatment on religious grounds. A similar case from West Bengal has drawn attention after a pregnant woman, Mahfooza Khatoon, said a clinic doctor refused to see her because she was Muslim and made an abusive remark. According to reports of that episode, the doctor said: “Just as you people killed Hindus in Pahalgam, you too should die.” The comment has been published as an alleged statement from the clinic. Those claims are under scrutiny.
Medical staff, patients and community groups said the Jaunpur episode shows why strict oversight is needed in public hospitals. Doctors and nurses carry professional duties and an ethical duty to care. Any hint that treatment is being held back for reasons unrelated to need must be acted on immediately, they say.
The hospital’s prompt request for an explanation is a first step, but it leaves many questions unanswered for Shama and her family. They say they want a full inquiry and action if the allegation is proved. The family is also asking for assurances that no other patient will face the same treatment.
Doctors’ associations and hospital authorities must investigate quickly and transparently, said activists who work on health rights. They want clear findings and disciplinary action if staff are found to have denied care for reasons of religion. Such steps, they argue, will help restore trust in public health services.
Legal experts note that refusing treatment on the basis of religion could amount to discrimination and may have legal consequences under the country’s law. Any inquiry should examine whether clinical need was the basis for decisions made and whether hospital policy was followed.
For now, Shama’s story remains at the centre of public attention in Jaunpur. She and her supporters say they must be taken seriously and that hospitals should be safe places for people from all communities.
The hospital administration has not yet released the written explanation it received from the doctor. Officials say the matter will be examined and appropriate steps taken in line with rules. Meanwhile, residents and community groups are watching closely for action.
Shama’s allegation is a reminder that medical care must remain free from prejudice. The patient’s account and the hospital’s response now form the basis for what many hope will be a fair, open and speedy inquiry into the events of 30 September. “We want justice and we want to make sure other women are not treated like this,” Shama said.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage on social media, where users have condemned the doctor’s actions and demanded immediate cancellation of her medical license.
“From police to IAS officers to doctors, every profession is being affected by communalism! We all are breathing the same air. Society needs a massive DETOXIFICATION drive,” wrote social media user Shibli.
