Doctor’s Day, which takes place on July 1 in India, is a special day that is commemorated worldwide in different countries on various dates. In India, a single person inspired the creation of their national version of Doctor’s Day. His name was Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, and he was one of India’s most well-known and respected doctors. Every year, on July 1, the life and achievements of this incredible man are celebrated, and the millions of health care workers, patients, and medical organizations are honored.
History of Doctor's Day (India)
Doctor’s Day goes beyond just India; it has been observed by many countries for years and honors physicians’ contributions to communities. It is observed as a holiday in some countries by patients, beneficiaries of the healthcare industry, and healthcare organizations.
Throughout India, Doctor’s Day is observed on July 1 in honor of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was a legendary physician and West Bengal’s second Chief Minister. He was born in Patna in 1882 and was the eldest of five siblings. Dr. Roy enrolled in the Calcutta Medical College in 1901 before leaving India for further studies after completing his medical studies in India.
Dr. Roy even became close with Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle at one point in his life. There is a well-known story about how he had traveled to see Gandhi while he was fasting. He refused to take medicine because it was not manufactured in India. Upon hearing Gandhi refuse treatment in solidarity with his people, Dr. Roy responded and said that he was to treat someone who had represented his country’s 400 million people so fiercely. Gandhi then took medicine and continued his fight for the greater good.
One of the things Dr. Roy was dedicated to was providing affordable healthcare to all people of India. In fact, he was instrumental in establishing several facilities in Kolkata, including the Jadavpur TB Hospital, Chittaranjan Seva Sadan, Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Victoria Institution, and Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital. And in 1926, he established the Chittaranjan Seva Sadan for women and children, which is considered by many to be one of his most outstanding achievements.
The incredible life led by Dr. Roy inspired The Indian Medical Association to dedicate July 1 to his achievements and spirit. So Doctor’s Day was established in India starting in 1991.
Doctor's Day (India) timeline
Bidhan Chandra Roy is born in Patna Bengal Presidency, British India, on July 1.
Roy enrolls at the Calcutta Medical College and, upon graduating, leaves for England for further studies.
Dr. Roy becomes the Chief Minister of West Bengal following India’s newly gained Independence.
Dr. Roy establishes The Chittaranjan Seva Sadan, a special hospital for women and children.
Dr. Roy is awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the Republic of India, a year before his death.
The first-ever Doctor’s Day is celebrated in India in honor of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy.
Doctor's Day (India) FAQs
Which city in India has the most doctors?
Since it has the most doctors in India, Delhi has the highest density at 335,000. Because it is the most populous city, Mumbai has one of the lowest densities of doctors. Haryana has the highest doctor density among states.
Which is the medical capital of India?
Chennai has been dubbed the health capital of India. Approximately 150 international patients are admitted to multi and super-specialty hospitals throughout the city. Chennai attracts roughly 45% of all global health tourists who visit the country and 30 to 40% of domestic health tourists.
Why do Americans go to India for treatment?
Americans travel for treatment for various reasons, the most important of which is financial. India is a particularly appealing option for American patients because several hospitals provide high-quality care from English-speaking professionals at reasonable prices.
How to Observe Doctor's Day (India)
Tell your kids or your friends about Dr. Roy
A truly remarkable way to observe Doctor’s Day is to spread the word about the incredible life of Dr. Roy. Tell your loved ones about him, share his story, list his achievements and the things he did for women and children, and how he worked with political leaders to fight for healthcare for all. You can also track down some video content to teach in class if you are a teacher.
Take flowers to your local hospital
Hospitals can be sad and depressing, so by livening things up with some flowers and toys for the kids, you will not only create a positive spirit but also honor and encourage the professionals that take care of and treat the sick and the injured. Acts of kindness like that have an everlasting impact on people. Doing something simple to brighten a patient’s day or making a doctor’s day a little more colorful could mean the world to them.
Write a letter of thanks to your doctor
We all have our go-to doctors that we phone when we need medical care or advice. These doctors stick with us in our darkest moments, and we need to pay them back by showing sincere appreciation. Write your doctor a letter thanking them for always being there to make you feel better and getting you through the tough times.
5 Things You May Not Know About Doctors
They work incredibly hard
Overtime is reported by approximately 64% of physicians, some working up to 60 hours per week.
The first hospital was in Sri Lanka
The earliest known hospital with physicians treating the sick dates back to 500 B.C. in Sri Lanka.
Becoming a doctor is expensive
In 2012, the average debt for a recently graduated medical student was $170,000, with the majority of this debt stemming from four years of medical school.
The first female graduated in the 1800s
Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to graduate from a medical school in the United States and went on to establish a medical school for women.
Indian doctors are very advanced
The early practice of medicine by physicians in India was particularly advanced with surgical techniques, including the removal of tumors, bladder stones, and even cataracts.
Why Doctor's Day (India) is Important
Stuyding medicine is encouraged
Important days that honor particular fields and industries like Doctor’s Day can impact young people searching for meaning and purpose in life. Studying medicine is much more accessible now than before, and many universities worldwide now offer medical studies. We love how this special day encourages young people to consider careers in medicine.
The life of a great man is honored
Every year in India, when Doctor’s Day is observed, the entire country honors the life and work of its most important and influential doctor, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. These celebrations keep his memory alive and inspire many people to live more bravely and with purpose. He was a great man, and he did many important things that helped advance healthcare in India.
Advancements in the medical field are celebrated
While we do focus on the life of a particular medical professional on Doctor’s Day in India, we also draw attention to the incredible advancements in medicine and surgical techniques. India is one of the world’s leading countries regarding medical technology and innovation, and that should be honored. India is so much more than a vastly populated country, and it has changed the way doctors treat patients and surgeons operate on our bodies.
Doctor's Day (India) dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | July 1 | Sunday |
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