I want to appeal to all of you to take up the issue of denial / apathy by Gujarat state machinery to provide medical help / care to riot victims. Thousands of Muslims are suffering as they are not provided with any medical care by state nor can they approach private carers as they are certain they will be turned away. They are extremely scared to approach public health services as they fear they will be killed. Reports indicate that Hindu doctors are ‘warned’ not to cater to Muslim patients. This is a gross violation of human rights. Are there any international norms regarding victims of communal violence that ensure right to health care? Gujarat is worse than that as it is clearly a case of ethnic cleansing.
Jaya Velankar Medico Friends Circle, Mumbai.