National Doctor’s Day is celebrated every year in India on July 1 to commemorate the medical genius, politician and passionate freedom fighter Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. Born on July 1, 1882, Dr. Roy breathed his last by chance on the same date in 1962, at the age of 80. The contribution of doctors goes beyond treating health problems, performing surgeries and saving lives. They support them in what seems to be the darkest phase of their lives and encourage them to be hopeful and positive. National Doctors Day is the perfect opportunity to honor doctors and appreciate their presence in our lives. (Also read: Doctor Reveals List of Food Products WHO Should Review for Carcinogenic Content Aside from Aspartame)
Date of National Doctor’s Day
National Doctors’ Day is celebrated every year on July 1 in India to honor doctors across the country and in memory of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, an educationist, physicist and Chief Minister of West Bengal.
History of National Doctor’s Day
Doctor’s Day is celebrated on different dates across the world. In the United States and Australia, it is March 30, while Canada celebrates the day on May 1 in honor of Dr. Emily Stowe, the country’s first female doctor. In Brazil, doctors are honored on October 18, the birthday of Saint Luke, who was a doctor according to Church tradition. In China, on the other hand, the National Day is celebrated every year on August 19.
In India, National Doctors’ Day was established in 1991 in honor of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was also the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1948 to 1962. He was a friend and personal physician of Mahatma Gandhi and the had treated in 1942 during the Quit India movement.
Bidhan Chandra Roy, during his tenure as vice-chancellor of Calcutta University and at the time of the Japanese bombing of Rangoon in 1942, built special air raid shelters for students and teachers so that classes could have place even during the turbulent period of war. . Dr. Roy also participated in relief activities and, in recognition of his services, he was awarded a Doctor of Science degree in 1944.
Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy was also awarded the highest civilian honor Bharat Ratna and received the award on February 4, 1961.
Theme for Doctor’s Day
This year, the theme of India’s National Doctors’ Day is ‘Celebrating Resilience and Healing Hands’. Doctors have made an invaluable contribution to our global fight against coronavirus and continue to demonstrate resilience in the face of the emergence of new diseases, infections and health problems.
Importance of National Doctor’s Day
Doctors have a crucial role to play in times of health uncertainty, treating and diagnosing illnesses, performing major surgeries, and even clarifying our doubts when we are worried about our well-being. They answer our calls at odd hours, work 18-20 hours non-stop when necessary, and perhaps care more about their patients than themselves. National Doctors Day is the perfect opportunity to talk about the contribution of doctors in our lives and in society as a whole. Doctors are fighters and heroes who need to be recognized more often than not.
Celebration of National Doctor’s Day
It’s not every day that you thank your doctor for being there for you. This day provides a perfect opportunity to express your gratitude to your doctor for treating your health problems. You can also donate to medical charities that can support medical research. You can also give them a special greeting card or gift.
