Kannur, Kerala – Dr. A.K. Rairu Gopal, popularly known as the “Two Rupee Doctor,” passed away at the age of 80 in Kannur due to age-related illness. His funeral took place on August 3 at Payyambalam. He was widely recognised for his decades-long medical service, during which he treated over 18 lakh patients, charging a nominal consultation fee of ₹2 for most of his career.
The veteran physician operated from his residence near Thaan Manikkakavu temple in Kannur, where he routinely began attending to patients by 3:00 a.m. to accommodate the schedules of daily wage workers and students. His day started as early as 2:15 a.m., with activities including cleaning his cowshed and distributing milk, followed by prayers and newspaper reading before commencing his medical consultations.
For over 50 years, Dr. Gopal offered low-cost treatment to the public, increasing his consultation fee only in later years to ₹40 or ₹50. Patients included daily wage workers, students, and the elderly, many of whom lined up before dawn. He strictly prescribed low-cost medicines and refused gifts or incentives from pharmaceutical companies. He was assisted by his wife, Dr. Shakuntala, and a clinic assistant.
His patient count often reached 300 per day. Initially, he practiced for 35 years from a clinic near the LIC office in Talap, before shifting his practice to his family home, ‘Lakshmi’.
Dr. A.K. Rairu Gopal was born into a family of physicians. His father, Dr. A. Gopalan Nambiar, advised him early on that medicine should not be pursued for profit. Dr. Gopal upheld this principle throughout his life. His brothers, Dr. Venugopal and Dr. Rajagopal, also followed a similar path in medicine. His work was supported by his wife, Dr. Shakuntala, and in later years by his son, Dr. Balagopal, daughter Vidya, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Thushara Balagopal.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences, referring to Dr. Gopal as “the people’s doctor” and lauded his commitment to providing affordable healthcare to the poor.
Dr. Gopal is remembered across Kerala for his dedication, discipline, and lifelong commitment to public service.
(Rh/Eth/MKB/VS/MSM/SE)