Historic Hospital in Chhattisgarh Faces Probe Amid Allegations
In Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari district, a historic medical institution is under scrutiny as authorities have initiated an investigation into the Bathena Christian Hospital, a facility with a legacy spanning over a century. This action follows complaints from groups such as Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), who have accused the hospital of medical negligence and attempts at religious conversion.
Founded in 1910 by American Mennonite missionaries, the Bathena Christian Hospital holds the distinction of being the oldest hospital in the region. The hospital, initially part of the Mennonite Medical Board, serves as a 250-bed multi-specialty facility catering to several districts, including Balod, Raipur, and Kanker, among others.
The hospital’s storied history includes its notable service during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1920, providing care despite limited resources. While the institution prides itself on self-sufficiency, it maintains ties with American Mennonite affiliates and hosts medical personnel for short-term assignments.
Tensions escalated on July 27 when members of Hindu organizations vandalized the hospital, damaging equipment and clashing with medical staff. Despite the violence, no actions have been taken against the attackers, and instead, the focus shifted to an investigation of the hospital itself.
This is not the first time the hospital has faced such targeting. On June 28, VHP activists disrupted hospital operations by forcibly entering the premises, causing damage, and displaying flags. Complaints regarding both incidents were filed by the hospital, yet there has been no significant response from authorities.
Chief Medical Officer Uttam Kaushik confirmed that an investigation has been initiated due to complaints from VHP and Bajrang Dal, with allegations not only of medical negligence but also of coerced religious conversions at the attached nursing college.
Ramchandra Devangan from VHP has alleged that religious activities are enforced upon students at the nursing college, claiming, “This hospital runs a nursing college where conversion takes place. Students are pressured and taken to church for prayers.” Additionally, there are claims of pressure on Hindu female students to marry Christian men.
Hospital Medical Superintendent Sandeep Kumar Patonda has dismissed these allegations as unfounded, stating, “This hospital has been running for more than 100 years and treats patients without any discrimination. Our main purpose is service.” He also denied any religious activities occurring at the nursing college.
Dr. Patonda emphasized that the hospital has not received any direct complaints from patients or their families, noting, “We have not received any written complaint. Information about medical negligence and other matters reaches them through media or other organizations.”
The VHP has presented a list of demands to the health ministry, which includes severe actions such as registering murder and fraud cases against doctors, cancelling medical licenses, compensating alleged victims, and sealing the hospital.
State Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal has responded by ordering an investigation, with officials instructed to act based on the findings. This rapid response appears to have emboldened further actions against the hospital.
Dr. Rakesh Gupta, president of the Chhattisgarh chapter of the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI), condemned the actions against the hospital, describing the vandalism and harassment of medical staff as unacceptable. He stated, “Forcibly targeting this 115-year-old hospital and giving it a religious color is an incident that discourages the medical profession.”
Dr. Gupta asserted the hospital’s commitment to non-discriminatory medical service, emphasizing the importance of legal recourse for grievances rather than taking the law into one’s hands.
The AHPI has called for enhanced security for the hospital and its staff, warning that targeting healthcare institutions serving marginalized communities could severely impact medical services in the region.
This investigation follows the recent arrest of two nuns from Kerala in the state, suggesting a pattern of increased scrutiny and targeting of Christian institutions in Chhattisgarh.
This article was originally published by Christian Today India.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
