New Delhi: A Muslim woman has alleged that staff members at a government hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur asked her to remove her hijab before allowing her to collect prescribed medicines, prompting debate on religious freedom and equal treatment in public institutions.
The allegation emerged after a video of the woman’s account circulated on social media on June 9. According to her statement, the incident took place at Ursula Horman Memorial Hospital.
The woman said she had completed all required formalities and was waiting to receive her medicines when two female doctors informed her that she would need to remove her hijab before being served. She claimed hospital staff cited security concerns and referred to incidents of theft within the hospital premises as the reason for the instruction.
Questioning the explanation, the woman argued that surveillance cameras were already installed across the facility and asked why wearing a hijab should be linked to theft prevention. She maintained that the requirement lacked a clear basis.
The woman further alleged that the restriction applied only to Muslim women. According to her, Hindu women and girls were allowed to collect medicines without facing similar conditions, while Muslim women wearing hijabs were singled out.
Describing the alleged practice as unfair, she said she planned to approach higher authorities and seek clarification regarding the hospital’s policy. Her video testimony has since attracted attention online and generated discussion about religious expression and equal access to public services.
No statement from hospital authorities was mentioned in connection with the allegations. The issue gained traction through the woman’s account, which has led to calls on social media for an explanation from the hospital administration and greater clarity regarding any rules governing patient access to services.
