2-Rupee doctor A K Rairu Gopal passes away at 80

Kannur: In an unfortunate incident, Dr A.K. Rairu Gopal, fondly known as 'Two-rupee doctor'-for his decades-long dedication to treating thousands of poor patients at a nominal fee, passed away at the age of 80 on Sunday due to age-related illnesses.

According to the PTI report, Gopal used to treat his patients from 4 am to 4 pm every day in his clinic at his residence, ‘Lakshmi’, which was visited daily by hundreds of patients, young and old, from different parts of this district and nearby districts.

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He was known by the names of ‘people’s doctor’ and ‘two-rupee doctor.’ In recent years, the duration of treatment was changed to 6 am to 4 pm on account of his health condition. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

According to TNIE, Dr Ryru, who did his MBBS from Kozhikode Medical College, worked briefly in a hospital in Kannur, and thereafter opened a clinic in Talap, where he served the community for 35 years before moving to Thana.

He charged just Rs 2 as a consultation fee for nearly half a century, before he increased it to Rs 10.

The doctor also used to provide medicines to patients who could not afford to buy them.

He had to wind up his clinic in May 2024 due to age-related health issues, which had come as a shock to the poor patients in this region.

The cremation will be held at Payyambalam here in the afternoon, sources said.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the death of Dr Rairu Gopal, who was known as the “people’s doctor.” In his message, the CM said, “For half a century, he had been charging only two rupees for his consultation. His willingness to serve people was a great relief to poor patients.”

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