'Rs 5 doctor' in fray

Dr S C Shankaregowda is contesting the election on a JD(S) ticket and voters expect that he’ll be able to treat the constituency’s woes in the same manner as he helps patients overcome illnesses.

Shankaregowda, who hails from Shivalli in the taluk, treats patients at his native village in the morning and at his clinic in Mandya in the afternoon. While he takes Rs 5 as fees at the city clinic, the treatment is free of cost at his village.

The skin doctor is popular not only because he charges less, but also because he prescribes good medicines that come at an affordable cost.

Shankaregowda is also an agriculturist. The doctor says that he won’t stop treating patients, even if elected.