- National Doctors’ Day is a day celebrated to recognize the contributions of physicians to individual lives and communities.
- The day pays tribute to the whole medical profession and to highlight the value of doctors in our lives.
- It commemorates the legendary physician and West Bengal’s 2nd Chief Minister, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy whose birth and death anniversary coincides on the same day.
- The day was established in 1991 by the Central Government.
- Roy was the second Chief Minister of Bengal and remained around 14 years in his post from 1948 until his death in 1962.
- Roy is also considered as the great architect of West Bengal. The five cities of West Bengal were also founded by him namely: Durgapur, Bidhannagar, Ashokenagar, Kalyani and Habra.
- In 1928, Roy played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and also in the establishment of the Medical Council of India (MCI).
- Roy was also honoured with India’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna.
- In different countries, Doctor’s Day is observed on different dates.
- Like in the United States it is observed on 30 March, in Cuba on 3rd December and on 23 August in Iran.
- The first time Doctor’s Day was observed in March 1933 in the US state of Georgia.
- The Doctor’s Day 2021 will be all about the critical role of health care professionals in combating the pandemic together.
