Muslim Woman Alleges She Was Refused Treatment And Assaulted By Doctor In MP Hospital Over Her Religion

A Muslim woman has alleged that she was refused treatment, communally abused and was kicked by a doctor in the District Hospital in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul because of her Muslim identity. The incident took place on October 2, 2021.

28-year-old Rehana Parveen has alleged that one Dr Pradeep Dhakad refused to attend her, after recognizing her ‘Muslim name’ on the treatment card. She said the doctor kicked her in the stomach, threatened her to leave the hospital, abused her and allegedly said, “I don’t attend Muslim patients”.

“My husband took me to the hospital as I had a severe stomach ache. At the hospital I was attended by a lady doctor who then referred me to Pradeep Dhakad another doctor to get admitted”, Rehana told The Cognate.

She said, “When we reached out to him, he took my documents and after looking at it asked us to leave. My husband kept on asking him why he was not examining me”.

Kalim Shah, the victim’s husband said, “In his response, he threatened to beat us up, even kill us and asked us to leave. My wife was crying with pain, so I requested him to at least examine her, but in return, he attacked her and kicked her in her stomach, she fell and fainted.”

“While I was trying to gather Rehana, the doctor kept abusing and threatening and then he left the hospital. Since then he is not seen at the hospital”, he said.

Pankaj Akulkar, State coordinator, Bhim Sena Army intervened and then got Rehana admitted to the hospital. She is now getting treated by a senior doctor in the same hospital.

The organization also protested outside the hospital to demand a fair inquiry in the matter.

He said, “These incidents against Muslims are usual here. They live in fear every day. I had to fold my hands to request the hospital staff to admit the lady.”

“A patient should be a patient first for any doctor. Strict action should be taken against the doctor by hospital authorities and police. We have protested outside the hospital to raise our demand”, he added.

A K Tiwari, CMO of the district hospital confirmed the incident. A committee of three people has been constituted by the hospital to investigate the couple’s allegations.

He said, “As soon as we got to know about it, we directed a committee to investigate the matter. The enquiry will take three days and then we will take an appropriate action”.

Kalim Shah, the victim’s husband has filed a complaint against the doctor to constitute an investigation in Betul Police station.

An FIR has been registered by Betul Police under sections 294, 323 and 506 of IPC. A copy of the same is with The Cognate.

Ratnakar Hingve, Station House Officer told, “We have registered a complaint under section 294, 323 and 506, as per the couple’s ordeal. Investigation is initiated, the required action will be taken”.