National Doctor's Day is celebrated in India on July 1 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a renowned physician, and former Chief Minister of West Bengal. The day is an opportunity to recognise the contributions of medical professionals towards society and show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
In this article, we will explore the significance of National Doctor's Day in India, its history and how we can pay tribute to the healthcare community.
History of National Doctor's Day in India
National Doctor's Day in India was first observed in 1991, based on a recommendation by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). This day honours Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a renowned physician and statesman.
Dr. Roy played a pivotal role in establishing several key medical institutions in India, including the IMA. He also founded the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, which is one of the country's premier medical institutions.
National Doctors' Day Celebrations Around the World
Country |
Date |
Details |
Australia |
30 March |
The date coincides with the birthday of St John of God, the Patron Saint of hospitals, nurses, and the sick. |
Brazil |
18 October |
The day commemorates the birthday of the Brazilian physician, Saint Luke. |
Canada |
May 1 |
National Physicians' Day |
Cuba |
December 3 |
Commemorates the birthday of Carlos Juan Finlay, who discovered that mosquitoes transmit yellow fever. |
India |
July 1 |
The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, physician and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal. |
Iran |
August 23 |
Avicenna's birthday |
Malaysia |
October 10 |
Commemorates the birthday of Tun Dr Ismail bin Dato Abdul Rahman. |
United States |
March 30 |
The first Doctors' Day observance was March 30, 1933, in Winder, Georgia. |
Origin of Doctors Day
Doctors Day originated in the United States in 1933 when Eudora Brown Almond, the wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, wanted to honour physicians for their dedication and contributions to society. She chose March 30th, the anniversary of the first use of general anaesthesia in surgery by Dr. Crawford Long in 1842, as Doctors Day. The day gained national recognition in 1991 when President George H.W. Bush signed a resolution designating March 30th as National Doctors Day, acknowledging the vital role of physicians in promoting and preserving public health.
The Significance of National Doctor's Day in India
National Doctor's Day in India is an opportunity to recognise the significant contributions of medical professionals towards society. The day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the healthcare sector and to encourage individuals to pursue careers in healthcare.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of medical professionals in fighting the pandemic and keeping communities safe. Participating in National Doctor's Day activities is one way to show appreciation for medical professionals while also increasing awareness about the healthcare sector.
National Doctor's Day 2024 Theme
National Doctor's Day 2024 in India is themed "Celebrating Resilience and Healing Hands." This theme honours doctors' unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in providing exceptional healthcare, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights their resilience, compassion, and the healing power of their hands. The day acknowledges their crucial role in society, their sacrifices, and the impact they have on patients' lives. Events, seminars, and awareness campaigns will be organised nationwide to express gratitude and recognize the invaluable contributions of doctors in safeguarding public health and wellbeing.
Why we celebrate National Doctor’s Day?
- Honouring dedication: National Doctor’s Day celebrates the commitment and selflessness of physicians in providing medical care and saving lives.
- Recognising contributions: It acknowledges the invaluable contributions of doctors to public health, disease prevention, and healthcare advancements.
- Expressing gratitude: The day provides an opportunity for patients, colleagues, and communities to express gratitude and appreciation to doctors for their tireless efforts.
- Raising awareness: National Doctor’s Day raises awareness about the importance of healthcare professionals and encourages support for their well-being and professional development.
- Fostering collaboration: It fosters collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public to address healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes.
Celebrating National Doctor's Day in India
There are several ways to celebrate National Doctor's Day in India, from expressing gratitude to supporting the medical community. Here are some ideas on how you can participate:
Donate to healthcare charities: Several healthcare charities in India are actively working to support the medical community. Donating to these charities is one way to show your support and appreciation for medical professionals.
Participate in online events: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many National Doctor's Day events have shifted online, including webinars and virtual discussions. Participating in these events can raise awareness about the healthcare sector and encourage more people to support the medical community.
Take care of your health: One of the best ways to show appreciation for medical professionals is by taking care of your own health. By leading a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce the burden on the healthcare sector and make resources available to those who need them.
How to Observe National Doctors Day?
Celebrating National Doctors' Day is a wonderful way to appreciate the dedication and hard work of our medical professionals. Start by expressing gratitude to your personal doctor, either through a heartfelt message or a small gift. Organise or participate in community events honouring doctors. Share stories and positive experiences with doctors on social media, tagging healthcare professionals. Volunteering at local hospitals or clinics can also make a difference.
Importance and role of doctors
Doctors play a critical role in promoting and maintaining public health. As highly trained medical professionals, they are responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses, performing surgeries, and providing preventive care. Apart from this, doctors provide emotional support to patients and assist in making informed choices regarding health issues. Their importance in society cannot be overstated, as they are at the forefront of ensuring the overall well-being of individuals and the community.
Doctor loan for medical professionals
Medical professionals may require financing solutions such as doctor loans to start or grow their businesses. Doctor loans provide customised financing solutions to medical professionals, allowing them to obtain working capital for equipment purchases and facility expansion.
Bajaj Finance offers doctor loans of up to Rs. 80 lakh that come at competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. These financing solutions can help medical professionals and entrepreneurs tackle the challenges of starting or expanding their healthcare businesses.
Here are a few benefits of applying for a Bajaj Finserv Doctor Loan:
High loan amount: Secure funding ranging from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 80 lakh to address your small or large expenses with a streamlined online application process.
Convenient tenures: Gain increased flexibility in repaying your loan, with repayment options spanning from 1 year to 8 years.
Quick disbursal: In the majority of cases, your doctor loan will be credited to your bank account within 48 hours* of approval.
No collateral required: You do not need to offer any collateral or security, such as gold ornaments or property, to avail our doctor loan.