Dr. AK RAIRU GOPAL. File | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Dr. Ak Rairu Gopal, kindly known as Kannur’s “two-brule doctor” for his selfless service of the poor and working class, died on Saturday (August 2, 2025) due to age-related illness. His funeral will take place on Sunday (August 3, 2025) in the afternoon in Payyambballam.
For more than 50 years, Dr. Gopal as a lighthouse of hope for ordinary people, charged only £ 2 for consultation, and often provided free medicine to those who were in financial need. From 4:00 to 16:00, later adapted to 6:00 to 16:00, he tirelessly examined patients, powered by a unwavering sense of duty. More than 300 patients a day participated in his practice.
Initially, he worked from a house near the LIC office for 35 years and later moved his clinic to his family residence “Lakshmi” near Manikkav. People of all age groups – children with elderly people – have rushed to treat him. His compassionate approach and a modest lifestyle earned him unrivaled respect in the community.
The son of a renowned doctor and philanthropist Dr. Ag Zambiara and AK Lakesmikuttyammy, Dr. Rairu Gopal confirmed the principles of his father. Dr. Zambiar once told his sons- Rair Gopal, Venugopal, Krishnagople and Rajagopal- that if he wanted to make money, they should pick up Pickax and penetrate the bank, not to abuse the noble profession of drug.
Dr. Gopala reflected this ethos. His day began at 2.15 in the morning with homework, followed by swimming, prayer and reading newspapers at 5.30 in the morning, there were some people who regularly received milk from his Cowshed.
Until 6:30 in the morning, patients began to welcome a doctor who appreciated his time and dignity.
He deliberately avoided ties with pharmaceutical companies and prescribed only available medicines. Dr. Gopal, impartial gifts, commission or luxury travel, remained unaffected by commercialization of modern medicine. Knowledge of his attitude and representative of the company never proceeded to its door.
“People came to him not only for medicine, but for love,” said B. Vivek (58), a locals who were close to him and his family.
“It was the one I had consulted on any disease over the past 50 years. He just met him, was enough to cure the disease,” he recalled. He would never unnecessarily give a medicine. After removing the medicine from the envelope, he would hold them in a box. This should ensure that patients do not have self -service medicines, which could cause more damage than good, Mr. Vivek said, adding that people and society were a big loss.
At a time when the consultation stands even hundreds and medicines, Dr. Rairu remote. His patients came from far around and walked around corporate hospitals and specialists, because only he could offer the comfort they were looking for – not only medical, but emotional and moral.
Even after he saw more than 18 patients with Lakh, he remained grounded.
For decades he has been investigating patients, although his own health began to fail. His wife Dr. After Shankuntal and son of Dr. Balagopal stood next to him during his early years of practice. Daughter Vidya, sister -in -law Dr. THUSHARA BALAGOPAL and members of the Bharat Mohan family, Dr. Venugal and Dr. Rajagopal survived him.
In his condolence report, the main Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Dr. Raira Goopal “as a folk doctor”, which noted that his readiness to serve such a nominal fee was a source of immense relief for poor patients.
“For half a century, he charged only two rupees for consultations, which made health care available to everyone. His willingness to serve for countless patients was a great comfort,” said the main minister.
Published – 3rd August 2025 12:20
