Why is National Doctor's Day 2025 celebrated on July 1?
National Doctor's Day 2025: It is aptly said that a doctor is not just a healer, but he or she is the source of hope and comfort for those in pain. Every year, lakhs of students in India prepare for NEET UG to become doctors and pursue MBBS. In India, July 1 is an annual observance to acknowledge and recognise the contributions of physicians to individual lives and communities.
The day is also celebrated to honour the birth and death anniversary of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, a physician, freedom fighter, and former West Bengal Chief Minister. This year, the theme for National Doctors' Day is 'Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers'.
India has been celebrating the day since 1991 to honour Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. For his works in the medical profession, he was also conferred the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1961. Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy played an instrumental role in establishing several esteemed medical institutions, including the Indian Medical Association and the Medical Council of India.
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Dr. Roy graduated with honours in Mathematics from Patna College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1901, he was accepted into both the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology and Calcutta Medical College, opting for the latter. During his time at Calcutta Medical College, he faced significant challenges, including financial struggles, as his father was no longer working. Fortunately, he secured scholarships to help support his education and living expenses, as mentioned on the official website of the National Library of Medicine.
As stated on the website, he became the first person to finish the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in surgery in just two years and three months. Not only for his medical contribution, he is also credited with setting up various educational institutions like IIT Kharagpur. He also set up the Institute of Mental Health, the Infectious Disease Hospital, and the first postgraduate medical college in Calcutta.
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