Indian medics face racist treatment

Patients at an Australian hospital have refused to be treated by several of the Indian-trained medical staff after two Indian doctors employed there were questioned in connection with the United Kingdom failed terror plots.

Gold Coast Hospital staff including medical registrars and residents released a statement in support of one of the two doctors, Mohammed Asif Ali, who was released by police without charge after questioning. The second doctor, Mohamed Haneef, is in police custody since Monday night.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, doctors at the hospital said patients had refused to be treated by several of the Indian-trained medical staff, accusing them of having some connection to terrorism, the Australian daily reported.

Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson said only a few of the hospital's staff had been subject to the racist treatment, which he condemned.

"They are pretty bruised," Robertson said, adding, "There is sensitivity among some of those overseas-trained doctors that they may be subject to racism. I'm hoping that would not be the case. It is not the Australian way."

While Robertson defended Ali, he refused to pass comment n Haneef, saying his case was a matter for the Australian Federal Police.

Ali drove terror suspect Mohamed Haneef to Brisbane airport on Monday night, where the latter was arrested, and had his colleague's laptop.

Australian Federal Police were forced to escort Ali from his home late on Wednesday to escape the attention of media persons who surrounded his unit block after his release.     

Ali said he needed sleep and was considering his future.      

While hospital administrators have said his position there remains secure, neighbours who have spoken to Ali said he was uncertain if he would be able to return to work.

In their statement of support, his colleagues said 'The police made it clear there is nothing to suggest Ali has committed any offence. We have great trust and respect for our colleague and friend, and we all offer him our sincere support at this very difficult time.'

'We also offer support to any of our colleagues who have been subject to unpleasant treatment on the basis of their ethnic background or beliefs. We deplore any form of racism,' the statement added.