A city-based cardiologist in Kolkata, Dr. Prakash Kumar Hazra, has ignited a fierce ethical debate after offering a ₹500 discount on consultation fees to patients who chant “Jai Shri Ram” at his private clinic. The offer, publicly announced on Sunday via social media, was reportedly availed by three cardiac patients on Monday and has since grown in reach.
While Dr. Hazra the Director of Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital defends the move as a personal political expression inspired by the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, medical bodies and political leaders have slammed it as “discriminatory.” The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengal has issued a notice to the doctor, demanding an explanation for what they term a breach of professional medical ethics
“Political Slogan, Not Religious”: Doctor Defends Move
Dr. Hazra, who operates a private chamber at Ballygunge Phari, maintains that his initiative aims to make healthcare more affordable while expressing his political leanings ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. “Jai Shri Ram is a political slogan, not a religious one.
I have the right to hold a political view,” he stated, citing the example of legendary physician-politician Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. The doctor further clarified that he has reduced his standard ₹2,000 fee to ₹1,500, with an additional ₹500 “Jai Shri Ram discount” for those who participate.
One patient, Abhilas Saha, noted that he received the discount at the billing counter without having to physically chant the slogan, suggesting the clinic is using a “Jai Shri Ram QR code” to facilitate the deduction.
Medical Ethics Under Scrutiny
The medical fraternity has reacted with sharp criticism, arguing that the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship should remain untouched by political or religious affiliations. The IMA Bengal has officially condemned the act, stating that while every citizen has the right to support a political party, “discriminating a patient’s consultation fee based on religion or political affiliation is absolutely against medical ethics.”
Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Dr. Nirmal Maji echoed this sentiment, alleging that the move is a calculated attempt by Hazra to “curry favour with the BJP.” Conversely, Dr. Hazra argues that his history of treating nearly half of his 40 daily patients for free proves he does not discriminate based on a patient’s ability to pay, but rather rewards those who align with his vision for a “better government” in Bengal.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the medical profession is a “noble” one for a reason—it is founded on the principle of universal care, regardless of a person’s faith, language, or political ideology. While we respect an individual’s right to political expression, bringing such leanings into the consultation room risks creating a divide in a space that should be a sanctuary of healing and neutrality.
True “affordable healthcare” should be a right extended to every citizen equally, not a reward conditional upon a slogan. In a diverse democracy like ours, the best way to foster social change is through inclusive dialogue and empathy, ensuring that no one feels excluded from essential services due to their personal beliefs.
Kolkata, West Bengal: A doctor has posted on social media stating that any individual visiting him for a consultation and saying 'Jai Shri Ram' will receive an instant discount of ₹500
— IANS (@ians_india) April 14, 2026
Doctor P.K. Hazra says, "I want to get involved with the BJP and contribute to… pic.twitter.com/bYDTqJBPyi
