Authorities in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh ordered an inquiry following reports that sweepers and ward assistants were treating patients at a government hospital.

The NDTV network broadcast footage showing that a man stitching the wounds of an accident victim was actually a sweeper.

It also showed another staff member, allegedly a ward attendant meant to perform mostly janitorial work, administering injections to a patient at the hospital in the town of Bulandshahr.

State Health Minister Ahmad Hasan ordered a probe into the matter. But he sought to defend hospital authorities, saying the men were actually operating theatre attendants and too many emergencies at the hospital led to them doing the job of doctors.

Local activists rejected Hasan's claim and said sweepers were routinely seen treating patients at the hospital.

Media said the incident would further erode the confidence of Indians in state-run facilities.