Dr. A.K. Rairu Gopal passed away

Kannur’s own ‘Two-Rupee Doctor’ Dr. A.K. Rairu Gopal passed away.

In an age of spiralling medical expenses, Dr Rairu Gopal stands apart. For, this general physician from Kannur has been treating people for the past 33 years at a fee of Rs 2, which explains his nickname — “two-rupees doctor”.

Gopal, 62, is ready in his consultation room at 3 am, where an average of 200 patients visit him everyday. He stops seeing patients at 3 pm. But even in the dead of the night, just take’ and an auto driver willou to his doorstep. But there is no attendant, pharmacist or other such staff. There is just one person who helps “two-rupees doctor” — his wife, also a physician, who stays with him in the consultation room for 12 hours straigh.

A second-generation doctor, Dr Gopal imbibed the zeal for the service of the 'have-nots' from his father Dr A G Nambiar, who was reputed for his selfless service in the area.