Understanding the history and significance of Doctor's Day in India
Dr. B.C. Roy was born on July 1 1882 in Bihar, completed his medical degree in Kolkata and then went to the U.K. where obtained both his MRCP and FRCS degrees. He started his medical practice after coming back to India, in 1911. He was renowned for his compassion and caring and became a very popular medical practitioner. He was also involved in India's freedom struggle alongside Mahatma Gandhi. He served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, and was subsequently honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 1961. Dr. Roy started Seva Sadan (House of Service), an organisation that focused on education, shelter and vocational training for less privileged women and girls, encouraging all classes and communities of woman. After his death, the house he lived in was turned into a nursing home as per his wishes.
Recognising his sterling medical and social contributions to the people of India, the Medical Council of India (now the National Medical Commission) instituted the Dr. B.C. Roy National Award Fund in 1962, a prestigious award given to a medical professional with outstanding contributions in the field of medicine and socio-medical relief.
Understanding this year's theme
The theme for this year is 'Behind the Mask: Caring for Caregivers.' All of us are now familiar with masks, after the Covid-19 pandemic. Even now, many of us use masks in public places, while surgeons always wear masks when performing surgeries. Many patients may not even have seen their doctor's faces but would have experienced their healing touch.
Due to their professional needs, doctors leave home early and work even after regular hours, in the care of their patients. This year's theme highlights the dedication and compassion of doctors and emphasises their role in providing comfort, healing, and reassurance to patients and their families. It acknowledges the importance of supporting the well-being of healthcare professionals, recognising that they need care as well.
Once, when asked by someone about the qualities of a good doctor, Dr. B.C. Roy had replied, 'Much more important than a doctor's degree, he or she should have an angler's patience, empathy, discernment and compassion.'
We have many examples of medical doctors who have been outstanding in their contributions to our society, and have helped change the landscape of care for patients. In Vellore, south India, we had Ida Scudder, who established the Christian Medical College. We have had Paul Brand who performed hand reconstructive surgeries for leprosy patients also in Vellore, and Devi Shetty in Karnataka, who established cardiac surgeries at affordable prices, to name just a few.
'A doctor is an angel on earth,' said the Greek physician and philosopher Hippocrates of Kos, many centuries ago. Despite the changes that have occurred with time and in ethos, quality and selfless service remain the hallmarks of a good doctor, and doctors are still considered to be saviors by the masses. Doctors not only need knowledge and skills but also a sense of discernment and compassion. If they have the right mix of these qualities, they may perhaps be able to serve like Dr. B.C. Roy -- something our society sorely needs.
Maybe this is why, when the French Emperor Napolean was incarcerated in St Helena – an isolated island – he was sent along with a doctor, Barry Edward O'Meara. In his book Napoleon's Doctor, Hubert O'Connor wrote that one day, Napoleon asked the doctor, 'Being a doctor, it's quite easy for you to take my life.' The young Dublin doctor replied, 'Let the Brits do that. I'm here for your service and my only objective is to save your life.' This statement exemplifies the objective of a doctor: to save the life of his/her patients. Every patient is equally dear to him/her.
Let us take this day to remember the doctors who have contributed so much to our society and others who continue to do selfless service. Let us say a word of appreciation or express our thanks to them on this day.
(Dr. Jacob Jose is a senior consultant, cardiac sciences, Naruvi Hospital, Vellore. jacobjose.v@naruvihospitals.com)
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