Kannur’s ‘Two-rupee doctor’ A K Rairu Gopal passes away; CM condoles

Kannur (Kerala): Dr A K Rairu Gopal, fondly known as Kannur’s ‘two-rupee doctor’ for his decades- long service to the poor, passed away on Sunday due to age -related ailments, family sources said. He was 80.

Gopal is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. His cremation will take place at Payyambalam later in the afternoon.

For nearly five decades, Dr Gopal offered medical consultations from 4 am to 4 pm at his home clinic, ‘Lakshmi’, charging just Rs 2 as a consultation fee. His affordable and dedicated care drew hundreds of patients daily from across Kannur and nearby districts. In recent years, the clinic hours were revised to 6 am to 4 pm due to his declining health.

Known widely as the ‘people’s doctor’, Gopal also provided free medicines to patients who could not afford them. He was forced to shut down the clinic in May 2024 due to age -related health issues, a move that deeply affected the local community.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the doctor’s demise, describing him as a compassionate figure in the lives of countless poor patients.

“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,” the Chief Minister said in his message.