What Made Dr. A.K. Ryru Gopal, the ‘Two Rupee Doctor’ of Kerala, a Legend?

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 3 (NationPress) Dr A.K. Ryru Gopal, fondly referred to as the “Two Rupee Doctor” due to his unwavering commitment to serving the impoverished and marginalized, passed away on Sunday at the age of 80. His legacy of kindness and altruistic medical care has profoundly impacted thousands of lives in Kannur, located in northern Kerala.

For more than five decades, Dr Ryru Gopal provided medical assistance to patients at an extremely minimal fee. Initially, he charged just Rs 2, which solidified his famous nickname. Over the years, his fees increased to between Rs 40 and Rs 50, while other doctors in the area charged several hundred rupees for a single consultation.

In an era where healthcare often prioritizes profit, he stood as a beacon of generosity and ethical practice in medicine. His journey into community service began after he encountered a critically ill patient during a home visit.

From that moment, he dedicated himself to providing medical services that were both accessible and affordable, particularly for daily wage workers, students, and the economically disadvantaged.

Recognizing the busy schedules of laborers, he began seeing patients as early as 3 a.m., sometimes attending to over 300 individuals in a single day.

Dr Gopal's daily life was characterized by simplicity and discipline. He rose at 2:15 a.m., took care of his cows, cleaned the shed, and collected milk. After morning prayers and milk distribution, he commenced consultations from his residence near the Thaan Manikkakavu temple by 6:30 a.m.

The line of patients often extended into the hundreds.

His wife, Dr Shakuntala, along with an assistant, aided him in managing the influx of patients and distributing medicines.

As his health started to decline, the number of patients he could see diminished, but his dedication to his practice never faltered. He remained guided by the principle instilled by his father, Dr A. Gopalan Nambiar—a well-respected physician in Kannur—who advised him, “If it’s about making money, do some other job.” This belief shaped Dr Gopal's entire career.

He turned down all corporate incentives and refused to engage with pharmaceutical representatives, opting instead to prescribe affordable, effective medications.

Alongside his brothers—Dr Venugopal and Dr Rajagopal—he continued the family tradition of providing medical care without the aim of profit.

Kannur bids farewell not only to a doctor but to a legend who demonstrated that healing is a service rather than a business.