emirates7 - Dr. A.K. Ryru Gopal, fondly remembered as the “Two Rupee Doctor,” passed away on Sunday at the age of 80, leaving behind an enduring legacy of compassion and dedicated service to the underprivileged in Kannur, northern Kerala.
For over 50 years, Dr. Gopal provided medical care at a symbolic fee—initially just Rs 2 per consultation—earning him his affectionate nickname. Even in later years, his charges remained modest, rising only to Rs 40–50, far below typical rates.
In an era when healthcare is increasingly commercialized, Dr. Gopal stood out as a beacon of ethical and selfless practice. His commitment to voluntary service began after a house call where he witnessed a patient in severe distress—an experience that profoundly shifted his view of medicine and motivated him to dedicate his career to serving those in need, particularly daily wage workers, students, and the poor.
Mindful of the demanding schedules of labourers, Dr. Gopal began his clinic hours as early as 3 a.m., sometimes seeing over 300 patients in a single day.
His disciplined lifestyle was marked by humility and simplicity. Each day began at 2:15 a.m., when he would care for his cows, clean the shed, and distribute fresh milk to neighbors before starting consultations at 6:30 a.m. at his humble clinic near the Thaan Manikkakavu temple. Often, long queues of patients would stretch outside.
He was supported by his wife, Dr. Shakuntala, and a loyal assistant who helped manage the patient flow and dispense medications. Despite declining health in recent years and a reduced number of patients, Dr. Gopal remained unwavering in his mission.
His guiding philosophy came from his father, the renowned Kannur physician Dr. A. Gopalan Nambiar, who once told him, “If it’s about making money, do some other job.” That principle shaped his entire approach to medicine.
Rejecting all corporate offers and refusing to meet pharmaceutical representatives, Dr. Gopal focused on prescribing low-cost, effective medicines. Alongside his brothers, Dr. Venugopal and Dr. Rajagopal, he carried forward a family tradition of service-oriented medical care.
For over 50 years, Dr. Gopal provided medical care at a symbolic fee—initially just Rs 2 per consultation—earning him his affectionate nickname. Even in later years, his charges remained modest, rising only to Rs 40–50, far below typical rates.
In an era when healthcare is increasingly commercialized, Dr. Gopal stood out as a beacon of ethical and selfless practice. His commitment to voluntary service began after a house call where he witnessed a patient in severe distress—an experience that profoundly shifted his view of medicine and motivated him to dedicate his career to serving those in need, particularly daily wage workers, students, and the poor.
Mindful of the demanding schedules of labourers, Dr. Gopal began his clinic hours as early as 3 a.m., sometimes seeing over 300 patients in a single day.
His disciplined lifestyle was marked by humility and simplicity. Each day began at 2:15 a.m., when he would care for his cows, clean the shed, and distribute fresh milk to neighbors before starting consultations at 6:30 a.m. at his humble clinic near the Thaan Manikkakavu temple. Often, long queues of patients would stretch outside.
He was supported by his wife, Dr. Shakuntala, and a loyal assistant who helped manage the patient flow and dispense medications. Despite declining health in recent years and a reduced number of patients, Dr. Gopal remained unwavering in his mission.
His guiding philosophy came from his father, the renowned Kannur physician Dr. A. Gopalan Nambiar, who once told him, “If it’s about making money, do some other job.” That principle shaped his entire approach to medicine.
Rejecting all corporate offers and refusing to meet pharmaceutical representatives, Dr. Gopal focused on prescribing low-cost, effective medicines. Alongside his brothers, Dr. Venugopal and Dr. Rajagopal, he carried forward a family tradition of service-oriented medical care.