In a deeply concerning incident that has ignited a political firestorm, a pregnant Muslim woman was allegedly denied medical treatment by a doctor in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, reportedly due to her religious identity. The accusation has been amplified by Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh, who shared a video of the woman, identified as Shama Parveen, detailing her ordeal.
Singh took to social media to criticize the state government, stating, “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.”
The alleged incident occurred on the night of September 30. According to Mohammed Nawaz, the woman’s husband, when he brought his wife to the district women’s hospital, the doctor on duty reportedly refused to attend to her. The family claims the doctor said, “Don’t bring her to the OT (operation theatre)…. she is Muslim. I won’t treat her. Take her elsewhere.”
A video of the incident, purportedly filmed inside the hospital, has been widely circulated on social media platforms, showing Shama Parveen recounting the alleged refusal of treatment.
Health Officials Respond
Following the video’s virality, senior health officials in Jaunpur have reportedly sought an explanation from the doctor involved. A senior official was quoted as saying, “Such behavior cannot be tolerated. A doctor cannot refuse to treat a patient irrespective of his or her religion.”
The official indicated that an investigation would be conducted, and appropriate action would be taken if the allegations are proven true. However, the official also raised concerns about media personnel allegedly violating patient privacy by entering the labor room.