On National Doctors’ Day, Dr. P.K. Hazra reportedly offered to waive his ₹500 consultation fee for patients who chanted “Jai Shri Ram” during their visit. The gesture, described as personal, quickly drew attention on social media and among local residents.
Reactions were mixed. Some saw it as a light-hearted tribute tied to the day’s observance, while others raised concerns about linking religious expression to medical services, arguing healthcare should remain accessible to all patients regardless of faith or condition. Doctors’ Day, observed annually on July 1st across India, honors the contributions of medical professionals to public health and society at large.
As of now, no official clarification has been issued on whether the waiver applied to all patients uniformly or was intended purely as a symbolic, one-day gesture. Local health bodies have not commented on the matter
Written by: Arundhuti Chatterjee
Graphics by: Pramit Hazra
