Hospital in Kolkata refuses to treat Bangladeshi patients

A hospital in Kolkata has refused to treat Bangladeshi patients, citing alleged violence against Hindus and expressions of hostility towards India by people in Bangladesh.

The decision has been taken following incidents of disrespect towards the national flag of India by protesters in Bangladesh, said Subhranshu Bhakt, an official of JN Ray Hospital in the city's Manicktala area, yesterday (29 November).

"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," he said.

He also urged other healthcare providers in Kolkata to take the same measure as a demonstration against the reported mistreatment of minorities in Bangladesh, reports Times Of India.

"Seeing the tricolour being insulted, we have decided to stop treating Bangladeshis. India has played an important role in their independence but despite that, we are witnessing anti-India sentiments. We hope other hospitals will support us and take similar steps," he added.

The relationship between Bangladesh and India is suffering some tension following the protests and violence that took place after the arrest and jailing of a Hindu community leader last week.

On 25 November, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, former spokesperson of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) Bangladesh and a prominent figure in the Hindu community, was arrested in a sedition case filed by a BNP leader in Chattogram on 25 October.