A doctor from Kolkata in West Bengal has come up with a unique initiative, offering discounts to patients who say ‘Jai Shri Ram’.
Dr PK Hazra, on social media, said that any patient who visits him for consultation and says ‘Jai Shri Ram’ will get a discount of Rs. $500. While Dr Hazrat described it as a “purely service initiative” to help the BJP, the doctors’ association termed it as going against medical ethics.
Explaining the opponent’s aim, Dr PK Hazra said his intention was to “mentally support the BJP”. “I believe in their support,” he said. “There is nothing immoral or a political slogan in it.”
Hazrat shared the post on his Facebook account, in which he is seen wearing a hat and scarf bearing the BJP symbol. The Times Of India reported that the photo was accompanied by a QR code, which read “Jai Shri Ram discount code.”
What Dr. Hazar said
Hazrat’s post sparked strong reactions from many online. He later described the reduction as a “purely service initiative.” He explained that the consultation fees were earlier $2000 in his clinic, which was reduced to $1,500” to help people before the elections. Then he decided to reduce it further.
The interventional cardiologist also confirmed that the idea behind the post is that he wants to “fight these elections as a BJP candidate.”
“I am a supporter of nationalism,” he said, adding that the opponent does not discriminate between any religion. Hazrat said his first intention was to make concessions to the needy, while his second intention was to “mobilize people and give their votes to the BJP,” he told ANI.
Also Read: Maach, maangsho and BJP: Will TMC’s non-vegetarian demand scare away Bengal? Ground report
Also Read: Kolkata’s Chinatown is full of Mandarin election posters and muted political voices
The Medical Association describes it as violating medical ethics
The Indian Medical Association questioned Hazrat over the post and asked him to clarify his stand. The Times Of India reported that IMA Bengal described Hazrat’s opponent as inconsistent with medical ethics and professional conduct. “Now, anyone who shows this will be held accountable.” $1,000 for consultation,” he told IANS.
In a letter to Hazrat, the IMA reportedly wrote that while every person has the right to support any political party, discrimination in patient consultation fees on the basis of his religion or political affiliation is against medical ethics.
