Mangaluru doctor offers free consultation on showing inked finger

MANGALURU: When the government machinery is trying to increase voters’ turnout, there are people who shoulder the responsibility voluntarily. A skin and venereal disease consultant has introduced a scheme, offering free consultation to those who cast their vote on April 18.

Dr Shridhar ML said: “Many people don’t vote when they find candidates inefficient. We know that ‘aaati kashaya’ (a herbal concoction) is not sweet, but still consume it. Some people ask why one should vote as it makes no difference who wins. In such a scenario, we have the responsibility to create awareness on the importance of voting,” he explains.

A notice outside his clinic at Bunts Hostel Circle reads: “18th April 2019 free consultation for all who come after casting vote with indelible ink mark irrespective of political party you vote.”

Dr Shridhar had a similar offer after demonetization. “I offered free consultation for my patients for three months after demonetization. I offered treatment to patients, who came to my clinic without money,” he says.