Who Was 'Two-Rupee Doctor'? Dr. AK Rairu Gopal Passes Away In Kerala At 80

Kerala is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved treasures, Dr AK Rairu Gopal, fondly known as the “Two-Rupee Doctor”, who passed away in Kannur at the age of 80. With his passing, the state bids farewell to a man whose life was a living example of compassion, service, and selflessness in medicine.

Why is he called the 'Two-Rupee Doctor'?

For over five decades, Dr Gopal served the underprivileged with unwavering dedication, charging only a token fee of Rs. 2 for years, a gesture that earned him his iconic nickname. Even in recent years, his consultation charges never exceeded Rs 40– Rs 50, in stark contrast to the hundreds typically charged in private clinics.

In an era where healthcare is increasingly commercialised, Dr Gopal stood out as a rare symbol of ethical and affordable medical practice. As per reports, his journey into voluntary service began after witnessing the suffering of a patient during a house visit early in his career. That one experience changed his path forever.

More about Dr AK Rairu Gopal

Dr Gopal would begin seeing patients as early as 3:00 a.m., understanding that many of his patients, including daily wage workers and students, couldn’t afford to miss a day’s work. At times, he attended to over 300 patients in a single day. He also rejected corporate incentives and avoided pharmaceutical promotions, opting instead to prescribe only affordable and essential medicines.

Consulting out of his home in Kannur for nearly 10–12 hours a day, he became a beacon of hope not just in the city but in surrounding districts as well. He continued this work alongside his brothers, Dr Venugopal and Dr Rajagopal, who also upheld their family’s legacy of medical service without profit.

Kerala mourn his loss

Due to ill health, Dr Gopal stopped consultations a few months ago. His death has left a profound void in the hearts of thousands who relied on him, not just for treatment but for care, comfort, and trust.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid tribute, calling him a “doctor of the common people” and a lifelong source of relief for the weaker sections of society.