‘Two rupee doctor’ of Kerala’s Kannur passes away

August 3, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram: Dr. A.K. Ryru Gopal, widely known as the “Two Rupee Doctor” for his lifelong dedication to serving the poor and marginalized, has died at the age of 80. His compassionate and selfless medical service touched countless lives in Kannur, northern Kerala, leaving behind a legacy rooted in kindness and ethical practice.

For over five decades, Dr. Gopal treated patients by charging only a minimal fee. Initially, he charged just Rs 2, earning the nickname that stuck with him. Later, he charged between Rs 40 and Rs 50, while many other doctors charged hundreds for the same consultation.

In an era where healthcare has become increasingly commercialized, he remained a symbol of altruism and integrity. His journey into voluntary service started after he witnessed a patient suffering in poor condition during a house visit. From that moment, he committed himself to providing accessible and affordable medical care, especially for daily wage earners, students, and the needy.

Aware of the long working hours of laborers, Dr. Gopal began his day as early as 3 a.m., often seeing over 300 patients daily. His routine was marked by simplicity and discipline—waking up at 2:15 a.m., attending to his cows, cleaning the shed, and collecting milk. After prayer and distributing the milk, he started consultations at his home near Thaan Manikkakavu temple by 6:30 a.m., with hundreds of patients waiting in line.

His wife, Dr. Shakuntala, and an assistant helped manage the crowd and dispense medicines. Even as his health declined, his commitment remained unwavering. Guided by the principle instilled by his father, Dr. A. Gopalan Nambiar, a respected doctor in Kannur—”If it’s about making money, do some other job”—he refused all corporate incentives, rejected pharmaceutical representatives, and prescribed only low-cost, effective medicines.

Together with his brothers, Drs. Venugopal and Rajagopal, he continued his family’s tradition of service without profit. Kannur mourns not just a doctor but a legend who exemplified that healing should be a service, not a business.