Pregnant Muslim Woman Allegedly Denied Treatment in UP Hospital, Sparks Political Outcry
Patient inside Jaunpur hospital goes viral; AAP MP blames BJP for rising communal bias
A pregnant Muslim woman was allegedly denied medical treatment at a government hospital in Jaunpur by a doctor who reportedly refused to treat her after learning about her religion. The incident, which occurred on the night of September 30, has triggered widespread outrage and political criticism.
The woman, identified as Shama Parveen, had been brought to the District Women’s Hospital in Jaunpur after experiencing labour pains. According to her husband, Mohammed Nawaz, he approached the female doctor on duty and requested her to attend to his wife. However, he claimed the doctor refused, allegedly saying, “Don’t bring her to the OT (operation theatre)... she is Muslim. I won’t treat her. Take her elsewhere.”
A video showing Parveen speaking from inside the hospital, in which she recounts the alleged incident, has gone viral on social media. In the video, she confirms that the doctor refused to provide her treatment, allegedly on religious grounds. The footage appears to have been recorded inside the hospital and has further fueled public anger.
The incident quickly became a political flashpoint. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh shared the video on social media and took aim at the ruling BJP leadership. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Singh wrote, “A doctor, considered a form of God, refused to provide treatment after asking about religion. The incident is from Jaunpur in UP. This is the New India of Modi and Yogi's dreams.”
Senior health officials in the district responded by initiating an inquiry. The doctor involved has reportedly been asked to submit a written explanation. A senior health official told the media that such conduct, if proven, would be unacceptable and that strict action would be taken.
“Such behaviour can’t be tolerated. A doctor can’t refuse to treat a patient based on their religion,” the official said.
The same official also raised concerns about media personnel entering the labour room and recording footage, calling it a violation of patient privacy.
As the investigation continues, the case has reignited debate around religious discrimination in public healthcare and the responsibilities of medical professionals in a secular democracy.