Every year since 1991, the country celebrates 1 July as National Doctors Day. This day is observed to acknowledge the contribution of doctors to humanity and society and to express gratitude for their service to the country and mankind.

Background to the National Doctor Day

The Indian Medical Association proposed to the government of India that 1 July be observed as National Doctors' Day in the country in honour of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy (Dr B.C. Roy). The government accepted the proposal and declared 1 July National Doctors Day.

The first National Doctors Day was observed on 1 July 1991.

The 1st of July was chosen as the National Doctors Day in memory of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.

Dr B.C. Roy was born on July 1, 1882, in Patna, Bihar, and passed away on July 1, 1962, in Kolkata (earlier Calcutta).

Dr B.C.Roy was the founder member of the Indian Medical Association and the Medical Council of India.

Theme of the National Doctors Day 2024

“Healing Hands, Caring Hearts" is the 2024 National Doctor’s Day theme.

About DR. BC Roy

Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy was an eminent doctor, educationist, philanthropist and freedom fighter.

He graduated from Patna College, Bihar, with a degree in Mathematics and studied medicine at the Calcutta Medical College.

He then went to England and was enrolled in St Bartholomew's Hospital in London. Upon returning to India, Dr. B.C Roy taught at his alma mater, Calcutta Medical College.

He was instrumental in setting up the Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Jadavpur TB Hospital, the Chittaranjan Seva Sadan for women and children, the Victoria Institution, and the Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital. He was Mahatma Gandhi's personal doctor.

Political Career

He entered politics in 1925 and later became a member of the Congress Working Committee, the mayor of Calcutta.

He became the second premier of West Bengal in 1948 after Prafulla Chandra Ghosh.

After the promulgation of the constitution, he took oath as the chief minister of West Bengal on 26 January 1950. He remained the chief minister of West Bengal until his death on 1 July 1962.

As a Journalist

Dr B.C.Roy was also a noted journalist. He edited the ‘Atmasakti’ journal started by Chittaranjan Das and also edited “Forward”, “Bangabasi’, and ‘Liberty’ journals.

He was the founding chairman of the United Press of India.

Honour

Dr B.C Roy was honoured with India’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, in 1961.
In 1976, the Medical Council of India instituted the Dr. B.C.Roy National Award in Medicine. It is considered to be the highest award in medicine in India.