Muslim medics adopting hardline attitude towards patients

Some Muslim doctors are allegedly refusing to treat patients with sex diseases and Aids because they believe that such ailments are result of sinful behaviour and punishments from God.

Islamic groups have reportedly increased their activities at medical colleges. At the famous Guy's Hospital in London, leaflets have been distributed questioning the theory of evolution. No wonder that hardline attitudes are being adopted by an increasing number of medics.

Such "militant" doctors are generally found in inner-city areas with large ethnic population, such as Leeds, Bradford and London. They pass such patients to other GPs. They are not identified because of the fear of action by the General Medical Council.

Some students from the community are also refusing to accept the theory of evolution or to studying abortion, euthanasia or fertility procedures. Female students are insisting on wearing veils to class despite strict rules against it. The rule is that a patient must be able to see the face of his doctor.

The moderates in the community are concerned at such attitudes and have reportedly been travelling to address medical students to convince them that it is consistent with the teachings of Islam for them to treat all patients and the Quran does not forbid them helping sufferers.

The primary concern is that any upsurge of militancy in medical schools could create a time-bomb for future. Over 30 per cent of students in medical colleges now come from ethnic minorities.

Dr Jafer Qureshi of Muslim Council has been cited in Sunday Mail saying that 600 of 30,000 students in medical schools, about a 10th of the Muslim intake believe sexual diseases are a punishment for immorality.

The situation regarding Muslim medical students has become so serious that a senior professor at a leading medical school in London was prompted to contact the Sunday Mail with a "dossier of complaints". He is alleged to have said that everyone knows such a situation but the lecturers are scared to speak out. They would be accused of violating political correctness.

Dr Abu Osama of the Society of Muslim Doctors refused to condemn medics who refuse to treat sex ailments. He said Muslim doctors believed that the Quran over-rode any other law and order.