One Rupee Clinic In Odisha’s Sambalpur Completes 1 Yr, Launches One Rupee Medicine Initiative

One Rupee Clinic, an initiative by Dr Shankar Ramchandani of Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla in Sambalpur district completed one year of existence on February 12 and, with this, the well-known health expert has initiated another service of distributing medicines at the same price, Rs 1.

As per reports, Dr Ramchandani, an assistant professor at VIMSAR, started the clinic with one rupee as a token fee on February 12 in 2021. He aimed to provide free treatment to the poor and underprivileged after his duty hours. 

Following the completion of one year of providing healthcare services, the 39-year-old Doctor organised a special function on Saturday where many of his former and present patients, medical students and intellectuals of the region were present. The noble doctor made the announcement about his new initiative at the occasion while a patient inaugurated the initiative.

"Last year on this same date, One Rupee clinic was established. It was the fulfilment of my father's long-standing desire of treating poor people. On completion of one year, I have initiated another step to provide medicine to the poor and impoverished people at one rupee. All essential medicines will be provided at the same price," said Ramchandani.

Since the initiation of this noble venture a year ago, around 6, 933 patients have availed the facility of One Rupee clinic, said Ramchandani. 

"I visit the clinic whenever I undergo any health complication. They provide good healthcare services and treatment. Even the prescribed medicines are provided free-of-cost," said a patient.

While patients pay a hefty amount for treatment at private clinics/hospitals, the One Rupee clinic is drawing the attention of many. The clinic where only one rupee is charged as fee has turned out to be succour for the poor and underprivileged.

The clinic has been set up at the Kachha Market area in Burla town and remains open from 7 AM to 8 AM in the morning and 6 PM to 7 PM in the evening.