Summary:
- JN Ray Hospital in Kolkata has stopped treating Bangladeshi patients in protest against alleged insults to India’s national flag and minority Hindu oppression in Bangladesh.
- Hospital official Subhranshu Bhakt called for other Kolkata hospitals to join the protest, emphasizing national dignity over medical services.
- The decision aligns with heightened India-Bangladesh tensions, following reports of attacks on Hindus and an arrest of a Hindu monk in Bangladesh.
- Some experts question the practical impact of the boycott, noting that JN Ray Hospital rarely treats Bangladeshi patients.
In a recent development, the JN Ray Hospital in Kolkata, India, has announced its decision to cease treating Bangladeshi patients. This move is a protest against the alleged desecration of the Indian national flag and reported atrocities against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. Hospital official Subhranshu Bhakt confirmed the decision on Friday, citing insults to India’s national symbols as the primary reason. “We have issued a notification that from today till an indefinite time we will not admit any Bangladeshi patient for treatment. This is primarily because of the insults they have shown towards India,” Bhakt stated.
The decision by JN Ray Hospital, located in the Manicktala area of north Kolkata, has sparked a call for other hospitals in the region to adopt similar measures. Bhakt emphasized the importance of national dignity over medical services, urging other institutions to follow suit in what he described as a necessary protest against anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh. “Country is above all. Nothing can happen above the country. Medical service is a noble profession but the dignity of the country is paramount,” he added.
This announcement coincides with heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh following reports of attacks on Hindu minorities and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das on charges of treason in Bangladesh. The Indian government has expressed deep concern over these incidents, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of its minority communities.
The situation has also drawn reactions from prominent figures in India. Renowned gynecologist Dr. Indranil Saha announced on social media that he would stop treating Bangladeshi patients after sharing an image purportedly showing the Indian flag desecrated at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). “The Indian national flag is lying at the entrance of BUET University! I am stopping seeing Bangladeshi patients in the chamber for now. Country first, income later,” Saha wrote.
Additionally, Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has called for a complete boycott of Bangladesh by Indian medical professionals and businesses. He praised Dr. Saha’s stance and urged others to prioritize national pride over economic interests.
Despite these declarations, some healthcare experts question their practical impact, noting that JN Ray Hospital reportedly does not frequently treat Bangladeshi patients. A CEO from another Kolkata hospital highlighted this discrepancy, suggesting that such announcements might be more about gaining attention than reflecting actual patient demographics.
As tensions continue to rise, this development underscores the complex interplay between international relations and healthcare services in South Asia. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for medical tourism and cross-border healthcare cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
Source: Kalbela
