Kolkata Doctor Refuses Treatment To Pregnant Muslim Woman, Cites Pahalgam Attack
Gynaecologist allegedly tells patient, “We should ban all Muslims,” sparking outrage and calls for action
A pregnant Muslim woman in Kolkata was allegedly denied medical treatment by a senior doctor, who cited the recent militant attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, as the reason for his refusal. Dr. C. K. Sarkar, a gynecologist and obstetrician at Kasturi Das Memorial Super Speciality Hospital, reportedly told the woman, "After the Kashmir incident, I’m not going to see any Muslim patients." According to the woman’s family, he further said, "Hindus should kill your husband, then you’ll understand how they felt. We should ban all Muslims."
The woman had been under Dr. Sarkar’s care for the past seven months. Hate campaigns against Muslims have surged following the Pahalgam attack, where 26 tourists were killed. Survivors reported that gunmen specifically targeted Hindu men after verifying their religious identities.
Advocate Mehfuza Khatun, a relative of the woman, shared the incident on Facebook, describing it as a "blatant act of discrimination." She said the refusal was not only unethical and inhumane but also a serious violation of medical ethics and human rights.
“My pregnant sister-in-law was appalled and outraged by his blatant refusal to treat her solely because we are Muslim,” she wrote. Khatun added that the hateful and discriminatory comments left her sister-in-law emotionally shattered. "She has been crying ever since, distressed and afraid—not only for herself but for the life growing inside her."
"Refusing care to a pregnant woman in such a vulnerable stage can have severe consequences. Healthcare professionals are bound by their oath to treat all patients equally, regardless of religion, caste, or background," she stated.
Emphasising that healthcare is a basic right and not a privilege based on religion, Khatun demanded immediate action against the doctor. Activist Mona Ambegaonkar also reacted to the incident, calling for a boycott of Dr. Sarkar and describing him as "a dangerous criminal." As of now, neither the hospital nor the authorities have issued an official statement.
