Dr A K Rairu Gopal, widely known in Kannur and beyond as the “two-rupee doctor” for his lifelong commitment to treating the poor at a nominal fee, passed away on Sunday due to age-related ailments. He was 80.
For over five decades, Dr Gopal served the underprivileged from his modest clinic at his residence, ‘Lakshmi’, where he began seeing patients as early as 4 am, continuing until 4 pm each day.
Even as his health declined in recent years, he adjusted his hours slightly, starting from 6 am, but never gave up his mission until May 2024, when worsening health forced him to shut the clinic—an event that left thousands of regular patients heartbroken.
Dr Gopal, who was affectionately called both the “people’s doctor” and the “two-rupee doctor,” not only provided consultations at a symbolic fee but also gave free medicines to those who couldn’t afford them.
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His clinic drew hundreds daily from across Kannur and neighbouring districts, making him a trusted figure in the region’s healthcare landscape.
He is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. His cremation will take place in Payyambalam later in the afternoon.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep sorrow over Dr Gopal’s passing. In his condolence message, the chief minister said the doctor’s decades-long service and compassion brought immense relief to poor patients, and that his legacy as a humanitarian in medicine will not be forgotten.
