Say ‘Jai Shri Ram’, pay less? Kolkata Cardiologist’s Rs 500 offer goes viral (WATCH)

A doctor in Kolkata is making headlines for a very unusual offer. He is giving a ₹500 discount to any patient who says 'Jai Shri Ram' at his clinic. This has happened right in the middle of election season, causing a huge stir in the city.

A strange incident is making waves right in the heart of Kolkata, especially with elections around the corner. A doctor is offering a discount on his fees if patients say 'Jai Shri Ram'! This announcement comes from a cardiologist in South Kolkata's Ballygunge Phari area. Dr. P.K. Hazra, an interventional cardiologist, posted on social media that any patient who chants 'Jai Shri Ram' during their visit to his private chamber will get an instant discount of ₹500 on his consultation fee. However, the doctor has clarified that this offer is only valid at his Ballygunge Phari clinic and not at any corporate hospital or other locations where he consults.

Fee drops from ₹2,000 to ₹1,500

Dr. P.K. Hazra's consultation fee was originally ₹2,000. He had already reduced it to ₹1,500, keeping the common man's convenience in mind before the elections. Now, with this new announcement, patients who say the specific slogan will only have to pay ₹1,000. The doctor claims that he has been treating many patients for free for a long time. According to him, "This is completely an initiative to stand by the people, so that more people can get medical services at a lower cost." He also insisted that there is nothing unethical about his decision.

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Controversy heats up

However, the matter has sparked a major political controversy. The doctor himself has admitted that he ideologically supports the BJP and is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for nation-building. A poster has also been put up in his chamber, showing him wearing a party-affiliated scarf, which mentions the offer along with a QR code. It is reported that on the very first day, at least three heart patients took advantage of the 'Jai Shri Ram' discount offer. 

On the other hand, Trinamool Congress workers and supporters allege that such a move is politically motivated and an attempt to please a specific party. Meanwhile, the doctor has also hinted at joining active politics in the future. In his words, if he gets an opportunity after working in the area, he is interested in contesting elections on a BJP ticket.