Rairu Gopal, Kannur's beloved two-rupee doctor, passes away

KANNUR: Popular doctor Rairu Gopal, a pioneer who provided health care services at a modest fee to people, died on Sunday. He was 80. Rairu earned the sobriquet 'Two Rupee Doctor' as he often took just Rs two as his consulting fee from patients. The doctor, who left his mark on the field of healthcare services, was honoured with the IMA award for the best family doctor in the state. During his career, the Rairu doctor provided his noble service to more than 18 lakh patients.

Dr Rairu often respected the valuable time of patients and, for the same reason, used to start consultations from 3 am in a manner that was convenient for students and workers alike. For many patients, Rairu was more than a doctor as he often provided them with the care of a father or brother.

The funeral will be held at Payyambalam today at noon. Father: Late Dr. A.G. Nambiar. Mother: Late A.K. Lakshmikutty Amma. Wife: P.O. Shakuntala. Children: Dr. Balagopal, Vidya. Daughter-in-law: Dr. Thushara Balagopal, Bharat Mohan. Brothers: Dr. Venugopal, Late Dr. Krishnagopal, Dr. Rajagopal.