National Doctors’ Day is annually observed across India on 1 July to honour the contributions of doctors and healthcare professionals to society and recognise and appreciate the role of doctors in keeping the nation healthy.
- The day also commemorates the birth and death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (BC Roy), a renowned physician and the 2nd Chief Minister (CM) of West Bengal.
The annual observance of National Doctor’s Day in India is led by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the largest and only representative voluntary organisation of Doctors of the Modern Scientific System of Medicine in India.
Theme:
The theme of National Doctors’ Day 2024 is “Healing Hands, Caring Hearts”.
- The 2024 theme emphasises the dedication and compassion doctors bring to their daily medical practice and their critical role in saving lives.
Background:
i.In India, National Doctor’s Day was 1st celebrated on 1 July 1991, following the recommendations of the IMA.
ii.Since 1991, the Day has been celebrated to highlight the crucial role of doctors, especially honouring Dr. Roy’s legacy, professionalism, and humanitarian values in healthcare and public health.
About Bidhan Chandra Roy (BC Roy):
i.BC Roy was born on 1 July 1882 in Patna, Bihar. He was admitted to St. Bartholomew’s Institution in London, United Kingdom (UK) in 1909.
ii.By 1911, he passed both the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP) (London) and the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) (England, UK) exams within 2 years and 3 months, achieving first place in MRCP.
iii.He played a key role in the creation of 2 prestigious medical institutions in India namely:
- The IMA in 1928 and
- The Medical Council of India (MCI) and became its 1st president in 1939. He held the position till 1945.
iv.In the year 1942, he was elected as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calcutta.
v.In 1947, Calcutta University sent him to the Bengal Legislative Council, and in 1948 Congress legislators of West Bengal chose him as their leader.
vi.Post Independence, at the advice of Mahatma Gandhiji, he agreed to become the 2nd CM of West Bengal in 1948.
vii.He was elected again in 1952, 1957, and 1962 and served as CM of West Bengal until his death on 1 July 1962.
viii.In 1961, the Government of India (GoI) honoured him with the Bharat Ratna in recognition of his immense services to society.
About the Indian Medical Association (IMA):
National President– Dr. R V Asokan
Secretary-General– Dr. Anilkumar J. Nayak
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Started in 1928
