Sambalpur: A 38-year-old dentist Dr Sikha Ramchandani has started a dental clinic in Burla, Sambalpur, offering treatments for just Re 1 to underprivileged patients. Inspired by her husband, Dr. Shankar Ramchandani, popularly known as the ‘Re 1 doctor’, Dr Sikha aims to extend affordable oral care to those who cannot afford private clinics.
After a six-year break from her job at the railway hospital to raise her twin daughters, Dr Sikha invested Rs 3 lakh from her savings to set up the clinic near VIMSAR (Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research). It operates for three hours every morning, providing fillings, extractions, and cleanings.
“Dental care is often out of reach for the poor,” said Dr Sikha, a BDS graduate from Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai. The initiative comes as a relief for many patients visiting VIMSAR, where the dental department lacks basic facilities. Private dental clinics typically charge over Rs 1,000 for similar treatments.
Dr Shankar, who has treated over 88,000 patients in four years, praised his wife’s efforts. “My wife joining this mission to serve the poor is heartening,” said Dr Shankar, an assistant professor at VIMSAR. “While maintenance costs will be challenging, we’re committed to finding solutions.”