Tatsat Chronicle Magazine

Bengal’s Famous ‘One Rupee Doctor’ Sushovon Bandyopadhyay Passes Away at 84

July 27, 2022
Sushovan Banerjee

Padma Shri Sushovan Banerjee, popularly known as the “one rupee doctor“, passed away on Tuesday. The 84-year-old man was suffering from kidney problems and was admitted to a hospital in Durgapur. He was recently shifted to a hospital in Kolkata where he breathed his last.

Located in Bolpur in the Birbhum district, Banerjee was known to treat patients at Rs 1 per visit for nearly 60 years. In 2020, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his contribution to the field of medicine. In the same year, he was named in the Guinness World Records for treating the largest number of patients.

In his years of service, he never increased his fee by Rs.1. When asked why, he replied that he believes there are many people for whom even Rs 1 is important and deserve proper medical attention.

PM Modi has expressed grief over Banerjee’s death.“Dr. Sushovan Bandyopadhyay epitomised the best of human spirit. He will be remembered as a kind and large hearted person who cured many people. I recall my interaction with him at the Padma Awards ceremony. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” PM tweeted.

Banerjee graduated from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Calcutta and obtained a PG degree in Pathology from Calcutta University. He then went to London to pursue a degree in Haematology.

Banerjee was also a former MLA from Bolpur. In 1984, he stood as a Congress candidate and won the Bolpur election.