Maheshtala doctor faces FIR for allegedly denying treatment to Muslim patients

A controversy has arisen in Maheshtala, West Bengal, after a pregnant woman’s family accused Dr. Champakali Sarkar, a gynecologist, of refusing treatment based on the patient’s religion. The patient, Kangana Khatun, who is seven months pregnant, had been receiving treatment under Dr. Sarkar’s care. According to her family, the doctor allegedly made a discriminatory remark upon learning their surname, "Khatun," which is associated with a Muslim identity. The family claims that Dr. Sarkar stated, “We do not treat patients from other religions,” and allegedly made further derogatory comments.

In response to these accusations, Dr. Sarkar has firmly denied the claims, calling them a "baseless rumour." The doctor stated, “I follow medical ethics. Every patient is equal to me. Please don’t believe these rumours.” Dr. Sarkar also emphasized that her medical practice does not discriminate against patients based on caste, religion, or creed, asserting that she treats all patients equally.

The matter took a legal turn when Kangana Khatun’s family filed a formal complaint with the local police. The Medical Council of West Bengal has also been informed and is reviewing the situation. The West Bengal Doctors’ Forum (WBDF) has acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and called for caution in handling the matter. The forum has urged that decisions not be made based on allegations alone without a proper investigation, as such accusations could harm professional reputations.

In addition to the complaint, an audio recording has been shared by the patient’s family, where a voice, purportedly Dr. Sarkar’s, is heard making the controversial remark. The authenticity of the audio has not been verified. The issue has raised concerns regarding the potential for communal tensions, especially after a recent unrelated incident in Pahalgam, but there has been no official connection made between the two cases.