National Doctor's Day - India

Held on : 1st July

National Doctor's Day is a day which is observed annually throughout India to honour the legendary physician Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy and to recognize the contributions of doctors towards the society. Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy was also the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1948 until his death in 1962. It is surprising to know that he was born on July 1, 1882 and died on the same date in 1962, i.e. July 1. He is amongst few people who completed both F.R.C.S. and M.R.C.P. simultaneously within only two years and three months. During 1948, he became chief minister of Bengal and brought unity and discipline to the state which was struggling with communal violence, shortage of food, unemployment and incoming refugees due to the creation of East Pakistan. These and many more of his efforts brought him laurels. In 1991 the Indian government recognised July 1, his birth and anniversary as Doctor’s Day. On this day patients, students or anyone wishing to thank and honour the achievements of doctors, give cards, gifts or SMS their best wishes. Certain institutes organise functions to honour outstanding achievements of doctors in general and Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy in particular.