Bhopal: A troubling incident has emerged from a district government hospital in Panna, Madhya Pradesh, where a medic reportedly refused to allow the transfusion of blood from a Muslim donor to a critically ill Hindu woman, citing the religious identities of the donor and the patient as the reason.
The incident, which took place last month, resurfaced when a video of the interaction went viral on social media. The issue gained further attention on Saturday when former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijay Singh mentioned it during a press conference concerning the demolition of Congress leader Haji Shehzad Ali’s bungalow in Chhatarpur.
According to reports, Pawan Sonkar, a resident of Ajaygarh, had brought his ailing mother to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with a severe blood deficiency. Urged to arrange a blood donor, Sonkar returned with a Muslim friend willing to donate. However, the medic on duty refused to proceed with the transfusion, citing the religious differences between the donor and the patient.
The refusal was captured in a 47-minute video obtained by Clarion India, where the medic can be heard justifying his decision by referencing the donor’s Muslim identity and the patient’s Hindu faith. Despite Sonkar’s insistence that the refusal be provided in writing, the medic remained resolute, expressing concern that his job could be at risk if the transfusion went ahead.
Local journalist Arvind Singh Yadav, who first reported the incident to Satyahindi.com, called the situation “serious and shameful.” He noted that although a formal complaint was filed, no action has been taken against the medic involved.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, where many have condemned the medic’s actions as indicative of a growing communal divide. Journalist Astha Svyasachi, reflecting the sentiments of many, stated, “From streets to schools to hospitals, the venom has spread far and wide. This bigoted doctor should be suspended.”
As of now, the hospital authorities have not issued any official response to the incident, leaving the public demanding accountability and justice for what they view as a gross violation of medical ethics and human decency.
