National Doctor’s Day 2016

Medical Profession is considered as one of the kindest professions across the globe. Though effective healthcare delivery depends on collective efforts of all health professionals such as nurses and technicians, doctor is the leader of the health team. In the Indian context in spite of good health infrastructure, there is acute shortage of doctors especially in the rural areas. The effective utilisation of doctors is the need of our country. In appreciation of contribution of doctors to the nation many countries observe National Doctor's Day every year. In India, it is celebrated on 1st July. 

History associated with National Doctor’s Day

India has produced a number of eminent doctors. One such person is Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (B.C Roy) a well-known Physician and second Chief Minister of West Bengal. The National Doctor’s Day is celebrated in the memory of Dr. B. C Roy whose birth day and death anniversary falls on 1st July. The event was started in the year 1991 to pay tribute to him. He started many institutions, hospitals and contributed a lot to the development of the Indian society.

Purpose of celebrating National Doctor’s Day

• To showcase the role and importance of doctors in our lives
• To thank the doctors for their self less service and their contribution to the individuals and the community 

How National Doctor’s Day is celebrated?

National Doctor’s Day is celebrated in Government and Non-Government organisations concerned with medical services and healthcare. Number of events and activities are organised to celebrate this day. Schools and colleges organise discussion on the medical topics, quiz competitions, sports activities etc. Patients greet their doctors and organise felicitating programs. Many organisations celebrate this day by conducting free health check-ups for the people. The observance of National Doctor’s Day is the best time to appreciate the role of doctors for caring and saving the life of people.

It is a tough job being a doctor as the fate of human lives remain sealed in their hands. Also the effective utilisation of doctors is significant for nation-building and strengthening India's health-care. Every day they go through myriad challenges and work hard under tremendous pressure. So this day seems like a perfect day to recognise their selfless service and express our genuine gratefulness for guiding us, for being patient and for their ability to touch and heal lives.