Doctors’ Day In India

Doctors’ Day In India

First of July has been designated as Doctors’ Day in India. It is indeed important that both doctors and patients be made aware of the existence of this day and at the same time, of its relevance and significance in the larger context of healthcare in this country. Here is a little history as to why doctors’ day is celebrated on this particular day.

Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy was born on July 1, 1882 at Bankipore in Patna in Bihar. His career as a physician started in 1911 when he came back to India from Bartholomew’s hospital in the UK having completed his MRCP. Thereafter, he joined the teaching staff of Calcutta Medical College and later moved to Campbell Medical School and then to Carmichael Medical College. He dedicated his life to the Upliftment of Indian society, especially, the downtrodden. Dr Roy was honoured with the country's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna on February 4, 1961.

Not only did he excel as a physician, he was an educationist, social reformer, freedom fighter (joined Mahatma Gandhi in the Civil Disobedience movement), leader of Indian National Congress and later second chief minister of West Bengal. Dr B C Roy passed away on July 1, 1962 on his birthday. Thus July 1st was considered an appropriate day to be designated as Doctors’ Day- a tribute to Dr B C Roy and the entire medical profession.