Why India Celebrates National Doctor's Day on July 1? History, Significance and 2024 Theme Explained

National Doctor’s Day celebrates the role doctors play in society and national building by ensuring the well-being of the citizens. Every year on July 1, India commemorates the day, to honour millions of medical professionals, and organisations for their dedication and selfless service.

National Doctor’s Day 2024: History

National Doctor’s Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, a renowned physician and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, who dedicated his life to serving and treating countless individuals.

The day also serves as a platform for highlighting the importance of doctors and their efforts in promoting healthcare. Observed on July 1, 1991, National Doctors Day was established by the Government of India to commemorate Dr. Roy’s invaluable contributions, legacy, professionalism, and humanitarian values to the field of healthcare and public health.

National Doctor’s Day 2024: Significance

National Doctor’s Day serves as a platform to acknowledge, appreciate, and raise awareness about the heroic efforts that doctors put into ensuring people are free from illness.

1. Appreciation for DoctorsNational Doctors Day is an opportunity to express gratitude and admiration towards healthcare professionals who risk their own lives to save others.
2. Addressing ChallengesIt draws attention to the challenges doctors face, including resource constraints, long working hours, and stressful environments.
3. Advocating for Improving Healthcare ServicesThis day also serves as a reminder to promote improved resources, infrastructure, and working conditions for doctors in the healthcare industry.
4. Inspiring GenerationsDoctors’ dedication and tireless work encourage young individuals to pursue a career in the medical profession.

National Doctor’s Day 2024: Theme

The theme for National Doctor’s Day 2024 is “Healing Hands, Caring Hearts.” This theme emphasises the compassion and dedication that doctors have for their patients. It also underscored the role that they play in offering comfort and care to people suffering from any disease or illness.

1. Healing HandsThis refers to the medical skills and expertise doctors possess. Their knowledge and ability to perform procedures are crucial in restoring health and well-being to patients.
2. Caring HeartsThis emphasizes the compassion and empathy doctors bring to their practice. They don’t just treat medical conditions, they care about their patients as individuals and their overall well-being.

National Doctor’s Day 2024: Celebrations

National Doctor’s Day is commemorated by honouring and appreciating medical professionals by organising events and activities like seminars, award ceremonies, and public recognition programs at hospitals and healthcare organisations.

Moreover, patients and families participate by sending cards, flowers, and messages of thanks to express their gratitude and make it memorable for the doctors. Social media campaigns and awareness drives are also conducted on this day.