Jan Haq Sangharsh Samiti, a human rights activist organization, expresses deep concern and outrage regarding a recent incident of gender discrimination and denial of healthcare services at Rajewadi Hospital.

On 20/05/23, a young woman named Sunita, a resident of Jai Ambe Nagar, sought case paper, admission, and treatment at your esteemed hospital. Shockingly, she was denied access to the required medical care due to the lack of her husband's Aadhaar card. This incident is a clear violation of her fundamental rights and a stark example of gender-based discrimination. However, it is important to note that this issue extends far beyond an individual case. The denial of healthcare services based on marital status and the requirement of a spouse's Aadhaar card affects countless women in similar situations across our society. Survivors of rape, underage women, and single women seeking access to reproductive healthcare services, such as abortions, are disproportionately affected by these discriminatory practices.

The denial of essential healthcare services to women like Sunita and countless other women has severe implications for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By refusing treatment on the grounds of not having her husband's Aadhaar card, Rajewadi Hospital not only violated her constitutional rights but also endangered her life and perpetuated the stigmatization and marginalization of women in vulnerable situations.

Additionally, this discriminatory policy undermines the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in our constitution. It reinforces harmful societal stereotypes that women's rights and access to healthcare are contingent upon their marital status or dependency on men. Denying women the right to make autonomous decisions regarding their reproductive health is a violation of their fundamental human rights.

The time to act is now because this incident is not an isolated incident but a reflection of deep-rooted gender bias and discriminatory practices prevalent in our society. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to such violations that perpetuate systemic injustice against women. The recent advancements in our understanding of gender equality, human rights, and the evolving legal framework necessitate an urgent response to rectify these discriminatory practices.

 We implore the Health Minister of Maharashtra, Women and Child Department and all the other government hospitals to address this matter promptly and take the following actions:

a) Conduct a thorough investigation into the incident involving Sunita to determine the extent of the violation and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

 b) Review and revise all policies and procedures to ensure they align with constitutional rights and principles of gender equality, non-discrimination, and women's autonomy. According to the Supreme Court mandate Adhaar Card cannot be made compulsary for any government welfare scheme and support. 

 c) Provide comprehensive training to all hospital staff members on gender sensitivity, human rights, and the provision of non-discriminatory healthcare services.

d) Establish clear protocols for handling cases involving survivors of rape, underage women, and single women seeking reproductive healthcare services, ensuring their privacy, confidentiality, and access to necessary care without any unnecessary barriers.

e) Issue an immediate directive to all maternity homes and hospitals to stop making Adhaar Card mandatory.