National Doctor's Day

“The presence of the doctor is the beginning of the cure”. A special day is hence observed every year on July 1 as Doctor's Day. The objective is to acknowledge the contributions of doctors' humane service to mankind.

Background

The First Doctor’s Day was celebrated in India in the year 1991. July 1 happens to be the birth and death anniversary of the most famous physician of India - Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. It is hence a tribute to his contributions to the health domain in the country.

About Dr B.C.Roy

Dr B.C. Roy was born on July 1, 1882 at Patna, Bihar. He had completed his medical graduation from Calcutta and his MRCP and FRCS degrees in London. He began his medical career as a physician in India in 1911. He then joined the Calcutta Medical College as a faculty and later moved to the Campbell Medical School and then to Carmichael Medical College.

He was a famous physician and renowned educationist as well as a freedom fighter. He joined Mahatma Gandhi during Civil Disobedience Movement. Later he became the leader of Indian National Congress and then Chief Minister of West Bengal.

He passed away on July 1, 1962, after registering 80 years of his great service for the country. The erstwhile Medical Council of India (National Medical Commission) instituted Dr. B.C. Roy National Award Fund in 1962 to perpetuate his memory. The Dr B.C. Roy National Award was instituted in the year 1976 to recognize the best talents in encouraging the Development of specialities in different branches in Medicine. Dr Roy was honored with the great Indian civilian award "Bharat Ratna" on February 4, 1961.

National Doctor’s Day celebrations in India

National Doctor's Day is observed in India to recognise and appreciate the significant roles and responsibilities of doctors. The annual celebration of this awareness campaign also helps common man to become aware about the roles, importance and the precious care delivered by doctors.

National Doctor's Day is being celebrated for years by the government and non-government healthcare organizations. in order to get familiar with the doctors contributions. Consultation workshops, Free medical checkup camps, General screening test camps are organised across the country. Activities are also organised at the school and college level so as to encourage young students to take up medical profession. Patients greet their doctors by distributing greeting cards, gifts, bouquets, etc.

Related resources

1. Dr. B.C. Roy National Award Fund