In an era where healthcare costs are often prohibitive, Dr. Shankar Ramchandani stands as a towering figure of compassion and dedication in Odisha. Popularly known as the "One Rupee Doctor," his unique initiative of charging a mere Re. 1 for consultations and providing medicines at a nominal fee has revolutionized access to healthcare for thousands of underprivileged individuals in the state. His life story, marked by personal struggles and a deep-seated desire to serve, is as inspiring as his philanthropic work.
A Childhood Forged in Hardship
Born in Padampur, a remote area in Odisha's Bargarh district, Dr. Ramchandani's early life was a constant battle against poverty. His father, Brahmanand Ramchandani, was the sole breadwinner for a large family of 32 members, struggling to make ends meet with a small stationery shop. The profound impact of poverty on healthcare became painfully real when Dr. Ramchandani tragically lost his grandfather and uncle to cancer, primarily because his family could not afford the transportation and ancillary expenses for their treatment, even when the medical care itself was free.
This personal tragedy deeply affected his father, who became determined that his children would become doctors to serve the poor. Inspired by his father's dream and his own experiences of hardship – including not being able to afford textbooks and relying on hand-me-downs – Shankar Ramchandani embarked on a challenging journey to become a doctor. Despite the financial constraints, he excelled, scoring the second rank in Odisha state in his medical entrance test.
From VIMSAR Professor to "Doctor of the Masses"
Dr. Ramchandani pursued his medical education and eventually joined the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, first as a Senior Resident and then as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine. Throughout his career, his father's wish to open a nursing home for the poor resonated deeply. However, the substantial investment required for a nursing home was a significant hurdle.
It was in February 2021, after his promotion to Assistant Professor allowed him to engage in private practice beyond his duty hours, that Dr. Ramchandani decided to fulfill his lifelong ambition in a unique way. He established the "Lajwanti One Rupee Clinic" in a rented house at Kachha Market in Burla, named after his mother. The clinic operates from 7 AM to 8 AM and 6 PM to 7 PM, ensuring it's accessible to patients after his regular hospital duties.
The Philosophy Behind "One Rupee"
The decision to charge Re. 1, rather than offering services completely free, is rooted in Dr. Ramchandani's profound understanding of human dignity. He believes that by paying a token fee, patients maintain a sense of self-worth and avoid feeling like they are availing charity. "I charge Re 1 because I don't want my patients to feel that they are availing of the services free of cost. They should feel that they have paid something for the treatment," he often states.
Realizing that many of his patients, despite paying the Re. 1 consultation fee, struggled to afford even basic medicines, Dr. Ramchandani went a step further. On the first anniversary of his clinic in 2022, he launched the "Medicine for One Rupee" service. He procures medicines at low prices from wholesalers and leverages the government's Jan Aushadhi scheme, often spending from his own pocket to provide costly or specialized medications. More recently, in early 2025, he expanded his services to include "One Rupee" ECGs (Electrocardiograms) and even walking sticks, further broadening access to essential care.
Profound Impact on Society
Dr. Shankar Ramchandani's "One Rupee Clinic" has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of thousands, particularly the poor, the elderly, and the disabled, who often face long queues and financial barriers at larger hospitals.
- Accessibility: He has provided care to over 88,000 patients since the clinic's inception, serving an average of 30-40 patients daily.
- Dignity in Healthcare: His token fee model fosters dignity among patients, promoting a sense of ownership over their health.
- Beyond the Clinic: His compassion extends beyond the clinic walls. He has personally transported critical patients, including a COVID-19 patient during the pandemic and a leprosy patient, to hospitals in his own car.
- Fighting Social Stigma: Dr. Ramchandani has actively worked to destigmatize leprosy, adopting and providing free healthcare and education for children in a leprosy colony in Junapani.
- Expansion of Services: He has opened a second "One Rupee Clinic" in his native Padampur, visiting fortnightly to provide consultations to his hometown community. His wife, Dr. Sikha Ramchandani, a dentist, has also joined the mission, opening a "One Rupee Dental Clinic," inspired by her husband's work.
- Recognition: His selfless dedication earned him the prestigious Odisha Citizen Award in 2023, and he is widely regarded as a "God figure" by many.
Dr. Shankar Ramchandani's life is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and resilience. By bridging the critical gap between affordability and quality healthcare, he has not only fulfilled his father's dream but has also set a powerful example, reminding society that true medical service transcends monetary gain and rests on the foundation of human kindness and unwavering commitment to the underprivileged. He truly embodies the title, "Doctor of the Masses, not the Classes."
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