Dr. A.K. Rairu Gopal, fondly known as Kannur’s “two-rupee doctor” for his selfless service to the poor and working class, passed away on Saturday (August 2, 2025) due to age-related illness. His funeral will be held on Sunday (August 3, 2025) afternoon at Payyambalam.
For over 50 years, Dr. Gopal stood as a beacon of hope for the common people, charging just ₹2 for a consultation and often providing free medicine to those in financial distress. From 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., later adjusted to 6 a.m to 4 p.m, he examined patients tirelessly, driven by an unwavering sense of duty. At the peak of his practice, he attended to over 300 patients a day.
Initially operating from a house near the LIC office in Talap for 35 years, he later shifted his clinic to his family residence, ‘Lakshmi’ near Manikkavu. People of all ages — children to the elderly — flocked to him for treatment. His compassionate approach and humble lifestyle earned him unmatched reverence in the community.
Son of renowned physician and philanthropist Dr. A.G. Nambiar and A.K. Laksmikuttyamma, Dr. Rairu Gopal upheld his father’s principles. Dr. Nambiar had once told his sons — Rairu Gopal, Venugopal, Krishnagopla and Rajagopal- that if he wished to make money, they should pick up a pickaxe and break into a bank, not misuse the noble profession of medicine.
