National Doctor's Day 2022: History And Significance

“Medicines cure diseases, but only doctors can cure patients.”

-Carl Jung

Whenever we encounter a fever or any other medical issue, the first thing we do is pay a visit to a doctor. Had there been no doctors, everyone would have to rely on the principle of survival of the fittest. The presence of doctors in this world plays a very important role in the existence of the human race. 

Photo source: www.istockphoto.com

History of Doctors In India

Do you know who the first doctor in Indian history is? Sushruta was an ancient Indian physician. He was the world's first surgeon and is known as the “Father of Surgery”. He wrote the Sushruta Samhita, an ancient treatise on medicine. The book is considered a foundational text of Ayurveda.

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India has produced brilliant doctors like Dr. Anandibai Joshi, Dr. Kadambini Ganguly, and Dr. Upendranath Brahmachari. National Doctor’s Day is celebrated annually on July 1st in honor of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, an Indian physician, politician, and freedom fighter. The day marks his birth and death anniversary.

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (Image source: www.gettyimages.no)

Some facts about Dr. BC Roy:

• He was a renowned Indian physician and a freedom fighter.

• He was born on July 1st, 1882, in Bankipore, Patna (formerly known as Bengal Presidency), and died on July 1st, 1962 in Kolkata (then called Calcutta), West Bengal.

• He served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for 14 years. 

• On February 4th, 1961, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna Award, which is India’s highest civilian award.

• He played a key role in the establishment of the IMA (Indian Medical Association) and MCI (Medical Council of India).

• He also contributed to the establishment of well-known hospitals and institutes such as Chittaranjan Seva Sadan, Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital, Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, and Victoria Institution. 

• In his memory, Dr. B.C. Roy National Award has been given for excellence in areas of medicine, politics, science, philosophy, literature, and arts annually since 1976.

Struggles Doctors Face In Their Day-To-Day Lives

Winston Churchill has rightly said, “Where there is great power there is great responsibility.” A doctor has the power to heal us; but along with it, he/she also has the responsibility to protect our health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical frontline workers suffered the most. Doctors and nurses were at constant risk of carrying the virus home and infecting their families. Being a doctor is one of the toughest professions. Here’s what doctors have to go through in their day-to-day lives:

• They work under extreme pressure. They work long hours and undergo sleep deprivation.

• Their mental and physical state is compromised.

• Despite all their efforts, sometimes, they have to watch patients lose their lives.

• Sometimes, they have to make a choice between family and patients.

• They often miss out on occasions such as birthdays and weddings of their loved ones. Sometimes, they even have to cancel planned vacations with their families.

• Nowadays, the cases of violence against doctors are rising. According to the National Institutes of Health, 75% of doctors in India have faced violence at some point of time in their lifetime. 

• Every day, these medical warriors have to wrestle with apathy.

On the occasion of National Doctor’s Day, ImpactGuru gives heartfelt thanks to all the doctors of India for their dedication and contribution to saving hundreds of lives every day.