Social media is often a space for viral trends, public debates, and, increasingly, misplaced outrage. The latest example comes from Jaipur, where an entrepreneur sparked a digital firestorm after mocking an ENT doctor’s ₹1300 consultation fee for removing his daughter’s ear wax — a procedure that reportedly took just 30 seconds.
The entrepreneur, Rishabh Jain, shared a photo of his young daughter holding a piece of cotton following the appointment and captioned it:
“ENT doctor removed my kid’s ear wax in 30 secs, charged whooping ₹1300, that too after a ‘discount’. No wonder her clinic was emptier than Ritvi's ear.”
While he may have intended it as a joke, the internet didn’t take it lightly. What followed was a wave of backlash from doctors, patients, and ordinary users who took issue with Jain's dismissive tone toward healthcare professionals.
Paying for Skill, Not Seconds
The core argument many responders made was clear: you’re not paying for the time it takes to complete a procedure — you’re paying for the years of training and the expertise to do it safely and efficiently.
Renowned hepatologist Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly known online as The Liver Doc, responded sharply:
“Next time you can use a traditional ear wax cleaner. You'll find them across the street. And not waste any money. Hope this helps.”
This comment struck a chord and quickly went viral, symbolizing the broader sentiment among medical professionals who often face undermining attitudes despite their years of education and practice.
A Lesson in Professional Respect
Several social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain what Jain seemed to overlook:
“You are not paying for 30 seconds. You’re paying for the ability to do it correctly in 30 seconds.”
“Such procedures may look simple but carry risks if done incorrectly — that’s why professionals are trained.”
“There are street-side wax cleaners. But is that who you’d trust with your child’s ear?”
The discussion soon turned from the fee to Jain’s decision to share his daughter’s image in a viral post. Many pointed out that exposing a child online in a controversial or mocking context could be potentially harmful. “Please delete this tweet. She deserves her privacy,” one user urged.
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Shots
Beyond the fee and the procedure, this episode raises important questions about how we value professional services in India. It's common for people to undervalue time-bound tasks simply because they appear “too easy.” But as many professionals argue, making something look easy is the result of mastery — not simplicity.
An ENT specialist’s clinic visit often includes more than just the visible procedure. It involves:
Diagnostic assessment
Medical-grade instruments
A sterile environment
Immediate response capability in case of complications
And most importantly, the experience to avoid injury
Considering this, ₹1300 for a safe, effective treatment doesn’t sound as outrageous as the original post implied.
Doctors Deserve Better
This incident reflects a growing need for public education on the value of healthcare services. Whether it's surgery, diagnosis, or minor procedures, medical professionals undergo 10–15 years of education and training before they are entrusted with patients’ lives.
Publicly ridiculing them for charging a fraction of what other professionals in similar training-intensive careers earn is not only disrespectful — it’s dangerous. It fosters mistrust in healthcare and discourages young professionals from entering the field.
Final Thoughts
In a digital world that thrives on sarcasm and virality, we must pause before mocking those who are literally trained to keep us healthy and safe. Rishabh Jain’s post may have been flippant, but the backlash shows that many people still respect the silent, tireless work doctors do daily.
Perhaps the next time we’re handed a bill for a seemingly "simple" medical task, we should remember:
You're not just paying for what they did — you're paying for everything they know.