A hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut has apologised for a controversial advertisement on Friday, which said that Muslim patients and their caretakers coming to the hospital must test negative for Covid-19 failing which they won’t be admitted.
“The advertisement was an appeal to all the people to follow the government guidelines so that everyone stays safe. It has nothing to do with religion. We apologise as some word hurt people’s sentiments. The hospital never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments,” said Dr Amit Jain, radio oncologist at Valentis Cancer Hospital, as reported by news agency ANI.
A case has been registered against the hospital. “We have registered a case. We are taking action as per the evidence available,” said Meerut SSP Ajay Kumar Sahni.
The advertisement by Valentis hospital said that in case of emergency, the patient and their attendants will be admitted but they will be tested for Covid-19 immediately. The cost for the test – Rs 4,500 each – will be taken from the patient.
The reasons cited by the hospital included the alleged misbehaviour of the members of the Tablighi Jamaat, who, the ad said, had contributed to the spread of coronavirus infection in the country.
“This is certainly wrong and we are sending a notice to the administration of the concerned hospital,” Meerut’s Chief Medical Officer Raj Kumar had said on Sunday. He said further action will be taken after a reply is received from them.
In the second advertisement issued on Sunday, the hospital said it apologises if anyone’s sentiments are even slightly hurt.
Referring to the coronavirus pandemic, the hospital said it wanted people of all religions to fight the emergency together.
