A recent national study has revealed that three out of four Muslim healthcare workers in Australia have faced discrimination and Islamophobia in their workplaces — including hospitals and clinics — solely due to their religious identity.

The study, which surveyed hundreds of doctors, nurses, and medical staff, presents a troubling account of the challenges faced by Muslim professionals in what is often referred to as a “humanitarian profession.” Many reported being subjected to verbal abuse, humiliation, and questioning of their professional competence, often because they wear the hijab or are perceived as Muslim.

Muslim women, in particular, were found to be the most vulnerable, experiencing intersecting layers of racism, sexism, and religious discrimination. Documented incidents include patients refusing treatment from veiled doctors, verbal assaults, and even threats of violence during clinical encounters — creating a climate of fear and isolation in spaces meant to offer care and healing.

In parallel, the Islamophobia Register of Australia reported a sharp increase in anti-Muslim threats and attacks, especially in the wake of recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Public spaces have become increasingly hostile, with Muslim women and girls often subjected to spitting, harassment, and public insults. According to the report, 60% of physical assaults and 79% of verbal attacks were directed at Muslim women, underscoring how deeply this hatred has penetrated society, even reaching the doors of hospitals.

The findings have sparked renewed calls for systemic reform, cultural sensitivity training, and greater institutional accountability to protect healthcare workers and ensure that faith, appearance, or ethnicity do not become barriers to dignity and safety in the workplace.