National Doctor’s Day: History, theme, and significance
The contribution of doctors to mankind and the society at large is undeniable. In order to pay tribute to and honour the guardians of our health, the Indian Medical Association recognised July 1 as the National Doctor’s Day. With the country still reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic and doctors risking their own lives to save us from this deadly, contagious virus, the celebration of National Doctor’s Day becomes all the more relevant. Every year, this day is celebrated with a particular theme. This year, the theme is ‘Save the Saviours’. National Doctor’s Day 2021 is dedicated to all healthcare professionals including the ones serving the nation as frontline COVID-19 workers.
History Behind National Doctor’s Day
Doctor’s Day is celebrated on different dates in different countries across the world. India commemorates 1st July as National Doctor’s Day to honour the birth anniversary of the famous physician, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. Incidentally, July 1 is his death anniversary too. Dr. Roy was an esteemed physician, academician, freedom fighter, and a humanist too. A legendary statesman, Dr. Roy was the second chief minister of West Bengal.
Doctor’s Day was first celebrated in Georgia, US, on March 30, 1933. Dr. Charles B. Almond’s wife, Eudora Brown Almond sparked the resolution to honour physicians through acts of kindness, gifts, and tributes. She decided to mail greeting cards to all known doctors and place flowers on the graves of deceased doctors. These acts of kindness are symbolic of the courage, sacrifice, and bravery displayed by doctors all around the world.
National’s Doctors Day and BC Roy Award
The “Maker of Modern West Bengal”, Dr. Roy was the founder of several institutions and townships in Bengal including Durgapur, Kalyani, Bidhannagar, Ashokenagar, and Habra. He wanted to devote himself to the noble profession and actively participated in the freedom movement. He was awarded the highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.
The president of India felicitates medical professionals with the B.C Roy Award for the Eminent Medical Person of the Year. It was first awarded in 1973, to Dr. Sandip Mukherjee. In India, this is the most prestigious award in the field of medicine.
Celebrations in India
The Prime Minister of India will be addressing the medical community at 3 pm today, followed by an event paying tribute to COVID martyrs and felicitating COVID warriors. In Delhi, Lady Hardinge Medical College is organizing a blood donation camp to honour the doctors. The Chhattisgarh Medical Teacher Association and Junior Doctors Association of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College are also organizing blood donation camps today, while other hospitals are conducting webinars.