National Doctor’s Day 2020: Know It All

The year 2020 has been a distastes as it has urged the world to come to a standstill because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The doctors have served without fail and have risked their lives to save the lives of many people. The doctors have been working selflessly 24-hours with little to no rest. With an increase in the number of patients day by day, it has been a challenge for the doctors to save the lives of the people. To honour the altruistic efforts of the doctors, Nation Doctor’s Day is celebrated. Different countries celebrate Doctor’s Day on different dates. The United States observes this day on March 30, in Iran on August 30 and on December 3 in Cuba.

In 1991, July 1 was established as the National Doctor’s Day in India, in order to honour Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. He was a renowned physician, who also served as the second Chief Minister of West Bengal. The birth and the death anniversary of this eminent personality falls on the same day. This day is observed to honour and memorialise the medical staff and to highlight the significance of medics in our lives.

Dr. BC Roy was a famous educationist and a freedom fighter also. He joined the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi during the Civil Disobedience Movement. Dr Roy was fascinated and was keen to learn medicine and despite 30 failed attempts, he kept on trying to submit his application in St Bartholomew's Hospital in England. He is amongst those who have attained F.R.C.S. and M.R.C.P. degrees simultaneously. On February 4, 1961, he was honoured with the Bharat Ratna. To respect his integrity India celebrates this day, in order to honour the service provided by the doctors.

Every Year Indian Medical Association announces a theme for the National Doctor’s Day. The theme of this year is "Lessen the mortality of COVID 19”. This year the Doctor’s day is of paramount importance as this day is being dedicated to all the doctors who have been serving during the pandemic. The theme associates with the urge to create awareness about the asymptomatic hypoxia and early aggressive therapy.

This day is acknowledged as the day of utmost importance of doctors and the role and responsibilities they play in the lives of the people. The day serves as a moment of appreciation as well as awareness to the public about the significance of a doctor. For this day various campaigns and webinars are organised throughout the country which included free medical check-ups, consultation workshops, general screening test camps set up. This year to safeguard the norm of social distancing no face to face meetings have been organised.

One should always be grateful for the efforts the doctors make to save their lives when they can also be in danger. One should always keep in mind, that the medicines won’t work until there is a doctor to guide us.