Sambalpur : Continuing his mission to make healthcare affordable for the underprivileged, Dr. Shankar Ramchandani of VIMSAR has launched a One Rupee Dental Clinic in Sambalpur. The facility, which opened on Thursday, treated eight patients on its first day and offers basic dental care such as scaling, capping, and tooth extractions for just Re 1.
Operating daily from 10 am till evening, the new dental wing is an extension of Dr. Ramchandani’s well-known One Rupee Clinic initiative, which began in 2021 and has already provided care to over 88,000 patients. His wife, Dr. Shikha Ramchandani, has joined the effort, inspired by her husband’s commitment and the dream of his mother to offer comprehensive low-cost healthcare.
“For the dental clinic, we’ve invested around Rs 4 lakh in equipment like dental chairs, sterilizers, and instruments,” said Dr. Ramchandani, emphasizing that dental care often goes neglected due to high costs and the need for repeat visits.
The original clinic continues to operate from 6 pm to 8 pm daily after Dr. Ramchandani’s regular duties at VIMSAR, offering services such as ECG, nebulisation, and a night shelter for patients and their attendants.
With the addition of dental care, the One Rupee initiative is broadening its reach and impact, staying true to its founding mission: quality healthcare at a price anyone can afford.
