AMU refutes allegations against JN Medical College
Aligarh : Recently a wrong and misleading allegation of communal bias has been levelled against Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, AMU by Mr. Satish Gautam, Aligarh’s Member of Parliament. His opinion is contrary to honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s view of Aligarh Muslim University as the Mini India. The Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College has always treated patients referred to it from Deen Dayal Hospital Aligarh. To raise the status of that Hospital it is unwarranted to level baseless allegations against J.N.Medical College.
Prof. Veeena Maheshwari, Principal of JNMC and Chief Medical Superintendent, addressed concerns regarding alleged religion / caste-based discrimination at the hospital, firmly refuting such claims. She emphasized that the college practices non-discriminatory treatment of all patients, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or gender. Prof. Maheshwari highlighted that the college provides care to approximately 4,000 to 4,500 patients daily, from various districts including Badaun, Moradabad, Bulandshahr, Etah, and Kasganj.
She further elaborated that JNMC operates under government schemes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and the National Health Mission (NHM), ensuring that patients from all sections of society receive care without bias. The college’s commitment to impartial healthcare is also reflected in its staff appointments, which are made through government procedures, representing a wide spectrum of society.
I am here for the last 40 years and have not seen any discrimination, she added.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, JNMC played a pivotal role as one of the centers for the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Covaxin trials. The college was the first to enroll 1,000 volunteers for the vaccine trial, a milestone that was acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The efforts of the doctors and staff during the pandemic, where many put their lives at risk and more than 20 of them died, highlighted the college’s dedication to public health and its unwavering commitment to serving the nation.
JNMC’s trauma center, established under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) announced in 2003, continues to provide specialized care at nominal costs, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all. The college also stands as a vital healthcare provider in the Aligarh division, particularly during crises, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, where it acted as a Level-2 dedicated COVID hospital.