A major controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur district after a Muslim woman alleged that a doctor at the district hospital refused to treat her during labour because of her religion.
A video that surfaced on social media on October 1 shows the woman, identified as 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 theatre. Her family was allegedly asked to take her elsewhere.
Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) Dr. Mahendra Gupta said he was “surprised” by the allegations and sought a written explanation from the doctor concerned. “The doctor denied making any such remark based on religion. An inquiry has been conducted, and the report has been sent to higher authorities,” Gupta told PTI.
Meanwhile, the police have registered an FIR against two local journalists — Mayank Srivastava and Mohammad Usman — accused of circulating the video online. The CMS lodged the complaint at Kotwali police station, alleging that the journalists “forcibly entered the labour room, filmed videos, and caused damage to hospital property.”
The incident has triggered sharp political reactions across party lines.
Samajwadi Party MLA from Machhlishahr, Ragini Sonkar called the case “shameful,” blaming it on “the communal tension spread across the state.” She said, “No woman in labour pain would lie about being denied treatment. Registering a case against journalists instead of the accused doctor shows the government cannot accept the truth.”The MLA added that she plans to meet the district magistrate and raise the issue in the Assembly if needed.
Congress leader Vikesh Upadhyay Vikki also condemned the episode, 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.”
The BJP however, dismissed the opposition’s criticism. Party spokesperson Avnish Tyagi termed the allegations “baseless” and politically motivated. “Public welfare schemes are extended to all sections of society under the Yogi Adityanath government’s motto of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ There is no discrimination in health care, housing, or ration distribution,” he said.
As the inquiry continues, the case has reignited debate over communal harmony and institutional bias in public health facilities in Uttar Pradesh.Journalists Booked for Exposing Jaunpur Doctor’s Refusal to Treat Muslim Woman
