National Doctor’s Day – 1st July
National Doctors’ Day, an annual observance on July 1st and is organized by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) aimed at appreciating physicians who help save our lives everywhere. It was first celebrated in July 1991 to mark the birth as well as the death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy who was one of the most renowned physicians in India. He received Bharat Ratna and also served as the second Chief Minister of West Bengal. Many leaders, social workers, doctors, officials, and common citizens congratulated each other on the occasion of National Doctor’s Day and par their tribute to Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy by remembering his works and his social commitments.
The theme of this year’s Doctors Day is “Family Doctors on the Front Line”.
Different countries celebrate Doctors day on different dates like the United States, National Doctors’ Day is celebrated each year on March 30, Brazil celebrates National Doctors’ Day on October 18, Cuba, Argentina, Spain, and several other Spanish-speaking countries celebrate on December 3, to commemorates the birthday of Carlos Juan Finlay. Ontario, Canada celebrates Doctors’ Day on May 1. Vietnam celebrates Vietnamese Doctors’ Day on February 27. Iran honors its physicians on August 23, Avicenna’s birthday. Australia celebrates Doctors for Doctors’ Day on September 28. World Family Doctor Day is celebrated on May 19. Many countries celebrate International Doctors’ Day (also the Day of Solidarity of Doctors of the World) on the first Monday of October.
India celebrates on July 1 to pay tribute to one of the country’s most famous physicians, Dr. B. C. Roy. Born on July 1, 1882, at Bankipore in Patna in Bihar, Dr. Roy began his career as a physician in 1911 at the Calcutta Medical College after completing his MRCP at Bartholomew’s Hospital in the United Kingdom.
He was a well-known physician, educator, social reformer and freedom fighter, leader of the Indian National Congress, and chief minister of West Bengal. Coincidently, the date marks not only Dr. Roy’s birth on July 1, 1882, but also his passing at the age of 80 on July 1, 1962.
In current times of the coronavirus pandemic, the world has realized the importance and need of doctors more than ever. This year our doctors are fighting one of the toughest battles of the century with COVID 19. So this year Doctor Day is dedicated to all doctors who are serving nations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
How is National Doctor’s Day Celebrated
National Doctor’s Day has been celebrated for years by government and non-government healthcare organizations to get acquainted with the contribution of doctors. To celebrate this event, the employees of the organization related to healthcare organize various programs and activities. The “North Calcutta and North-East Calcutta Social Welfare Organization” organizes a large program every year to celebrate the grand celebration of Doctor’s Day.
A discussion program is organized to discuss various aspects of the medical profession such as health test treatment, prevention, identification of disease, proper treatment of disease, etc. Active medical services are also encouraged and promoted by doctors in communities for better and healthy social development. Free medical testing camps are organized in public places and many health centers by health care institutions to promote quality medical services among the general public without any money.
General performance test camps are also conducted between senior citizens and poor people to discuss health nutrition and permanent disease awareness, health counseling, health status. In order to make people aware of the valuable role of the doctor in everyone’s life, free blood tests, blood sugar tests, ECG, blood pressure tests, etc. are conducted.
Some activities are also organized at school and college levels to promote more young students towards dedicated medical professionals. Discussion on medical issues, question-answer competition, sports activities, use of scientific tools for students for creative knowledge, implementation of new and effective educational strategies to make the medical profession stronger and more responsible.
Patients greet their doctor on 1 July by delivering greeting messages via mail, giving them a bunch of flowers or bouquets, distributing e-cards, appreciation cards, greeting cards. To remember the importance and contribution of that doctor’s day towards the medical profession, through Doctor’s Day, the party and the Deaner Health Center are held at the hospital or nursing home, and special meetings are held.
Suggested Read: Important Days In July