Dr A K Rairu Gopal, fondly known as the “Two-Rupee Doctor” for treating thousands of impoverished patients for just Rs 2 at his clinic, passed away on Sunday at 80 due to age-related illnesses, family sources confirmed. Survived by his wife, son, and daughter, Gopal leaves behind a legacy of selfless service that touched countless lives in Kerala’s Kannur district and beyond.

For over five decades, Gopal operated his clinic at his residence, ‘Lakshmi’, welcoming hundreds of patients daily from 4 am to 4 pm. Known as the “people’s doctor,” he served young and old from Kannur and neighboring districts, often providing free medicines to those unable to afford them. In recent years, declining health forced him to adjust his hours to 6 am to 4 pm, and he closed his clinic in May 2024, a move that deeply affected the region’s poor who relied on his affordable care.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over Gopal’s demise, stating, “For half a century, Dr Rairu Gopal charged only Rs 2, offering immense relief to the poor. His dedication to serving humanity was unparalleled.” The CM highlighted Gopal’s role as a beacon of hope for underprivileged communities.

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The doctor’s cremation is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Payyambalam, Kannur. Local residents, mourning the loss, shared stories of his kindness, recalling how he treated patients with compassion, often spending extra time to ensure their well-being. “He was more than a doctor; he was family to us,” said a longtime patient, reflecting the community’s profound sense of loss.

Gopal’s work stood as a testament to accessible healthcare, inspiring calls for preserving his legacy through initiatives to support affordable medical services for the poor.

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