Hyderabad: How personal can one's faith be

Hyderabad: The 'religion' column specified in the outpatient form of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) irked at least one patient. The person wrote on social media, “None of your business, nothing to do with my treatment.” The post sparked a debate.

Some found it unnecessary to ask about religion while others thought this could be part of a survey or demographic data. Also, there are certain sections who accept blood from donors belonging to their religion only.

Mr Chanakya Kambhatla, resident of Hafizpet, an outpatient at KIM’s hospital, Kondapur, had to fill in the form to see an orthopaedic surgeon. He said, “What has my religion got to do with the hospital treating me? Data collection and analysing are always there, but what kind of data are they looking at?”

One of his friends, Pankaj Singh Yadav, found demographic data interesting. Religion is a classic variable to look at while trying to get large scale data. There might be interesting patterns like how dietary habits may manifest in certain conditions that affect someone’s well-being. Because KIMS is also a teaching hospital they might be using such data, he suggested.

Comments like, “You can always write agnostic or something else in the form,” was shared. One Mr Krishnam Raju added, “We had to mention religion on the passport application form. We also  have to address this in academics. Agencies may be  selling the information to third-party businesses who  advertise their products.”

The KIMS management reverted stating, “There is no significance behind asking the religion of a patient. With regard to in-patients religion mentioned in the form helps the management prepare the patients food. KIMS does not share any data with any other party.