38-year-old dentist launches One Rupee Clinic
Sambalpur: A 38-year-old dentist has launched a Re 1 Dental Clinic in Burla, Sambalpur, offering vital oral healthcare services to the poor at a token fee of just Rs 1. The initiative, launched near the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), is inspired by her husband, Dr. Shankar Ramchandani, widely known as the “Re 1 Doctor” for his charitable medical service.
Dr. Shankar began his One Rupee Clinic initiative in 2021. Since then, it has provided medical care to over 88,000 patients, offering ECGs, nebulisation, basic consultations, and even shelter to those traveling from far-off places for treatment.
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Medical Dialogues had previously reported that a doctor in Odisha's Sambalpur district has opened a 'One Rupee' clinic to provide treatment to the poor and underprivileged people. Shankar Ramchandani, an assistant professor in the department of medicine at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, has opened a clinic in Burla town, where patients have to pay just one Rupee for treatment.
Speaking to TOI, Dr Shankar, an assistant professor at VIMSAR, said, "My wife joining this mission to serve the poor is heartening." He added, "While maintenance costs will be challenging, we're committed to finding solutions."
After taking a six-year break from her role at the railway hospital to raise her twin daughters, Dr. Sikha returned with a mission: to make dental care accessible for those who can’t afford it. Investing ₹3 lakh from her personal savings, she set up a clinic. Each morning, the clinic operates for three hours, offering dental services such as fillings, extractions, and cleanings.
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According to TOI, "Dental care is often out of reach for the poor," said Dr Sikha, a BDS graduate from Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai. The initiative comes as a relief for many patients visiting VIMSAR, where the dental department lacks basic facilities. Private dental clinics typically charge over Rs 1,000 for similar treatments.
Dr. Shankar Ramchandani’s original One Rupee Clinic operates from 6 PM to 8 PM, after his full-time duties as an Assistant Professor at VIMSAR (Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research). Over the past four years, it has continued to serve patients consistently.
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