Calcutta – A 27-year-old pregnant Muslim woman has accused a doctor in Calcutta of refusing to treat her, allegedly citing her religion. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday afternoon, during a routine check-up when the doctor allegedly said she would not treat “Mohammedan” patients in the wake of a terror attack on tourists in Kashmir.
The doctor allegedly made a remark suggesting that people from the woman’s religion were killing people from hers. The pregnant woman, who was visiting the gynecologist for her fifth check-up, was reportedly silent during the conversation but later called the doctor to confront her about the alleged comment. The doctor allegedly reiterated that she would not treat a Muslim patient.
Complaint Lodged
The woman’s husband lodged a complaint with the Maheshtala police station on the south-western fringes of Calcutta, as well as with the state medical council. The family has demanded action, describing the incident as discriminatory.
The doctor, however, has denied the allegations. She refuted the claims when contacted by The Telegraph and said she was being defamed. She also threatened to file a defamation suit against the woman and her family.
Details of the Incident
According to the woman’s husband, who works as an optometrist, the doctor had initially asked his wife to visit her flat, as they lived in the same upscale housing complex in Maheshtala. When the doctor heard the woman’s full name, she allegedly told her she wouldn’t treat Muslim patients. The woman, shocked by the statement, reportedly didn’t understand it at first. Upon further questioning, the doctor allegedly repeated her refusal, adding that people from the woman’s religion were responsible for killing people from hers.
The pregnant woman, a homemaker, was accompanied by her three-year-old daughter at the time of the incident. She was so shocked by the doctor’s behavior that she couldn’t respond at the moment and later took her daughter to a mall to calm down. Afterward, she called the doctor to express her hurt and insult. Despite the confrontation, the doctor allegedly insisted on not treating a Muslim patient.
Legal and Medical Reactions
A member of the state medical council emphasized that it would be unethical for a doctor to refuse treatment based on a patient’s religion. The local police officer from the Diamond Harbour police district confirmed that the complaint had been forwarded to the medical council and the state health department for further investigation. However, the police have stated that they will need approval from the council before any action can be taken against the doctor.
The woman’s sister-in-law, a lawyer at the Calcutta High Court, expressed intent to file a request to convert the police complaint into an FIR. She emphasized that this incident violated constitutional principles, as discrimination based on religion is prohibited in India.
The family noted that they had never highlighted their religious identity before this incident, but now, they feel more Muslim than ever due to the discrimination. They are now seeking a Muslim gynaecologist for the woman, who is reportedly in trauma following the encounter.
Doctor’s Response
In defense, the doctor claimed that 80 percent of her patients are Muslim, asserting that it was unlikely she would make a statement to harm herself. She also filed a complaint at Parnasree police station, alleging defamation against her.
