Last weekend there was more good news for the underprivileged people of Burla, Odisha, as Dr. Shankar Ramchandani who has been running his “One Rupee” clinic since last year, launched “One Rupee” medicine service. This service was started to mark the first anniversary of his initial initiative and under this, medicines will be given for just Re.1 to needy patients who visit him for consultation.
As a doctor Ramchandani has always gone beyond his call of duty to offer medical assistance to the needy and his “one rupee” clinic proves it.
Working as assistant professor in the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, Odisha, 38-year-old Ramchandani, started the clinic last year in which patients pay Re.1 for treatment. He was promoted as assistant professor and this entitled him to private practice after duty hours and so Ramchandani started this clinic in a rented house.
Explaining the reason for charging Re.1 and not treating the patients free, Ramchandani said: "I charge one Rupee from the poor and underprivileged people as I don't want them to feel that they are availing the service free of cost. They should also think that they have paid some money for their treatment."
Situated in Burla’s Kachha Market area the clinic is open from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Earlier too Ramchandani hit the headlines when he carried a leprosy patient to drop him to his house and also when he attended Covid-19 patients during the pandemic waves and ferried them in his car.
