National Doctors‘ Day is celebrated in India on July 1 every year to commemorate the birth and death anniversary of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. He was a physician and the second chief minister of West Bengal. The day is celebrated to express gratitude to doctors who selflessly serve the interest of humans in the time of their illness.  

Who was Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy?

Born on July 1, 1882, at Bihar’s Patna, Dr BC Roy was a physician by profession. He was also an educationist, philanthropist, and freedom fighter who made a significant contribution to India’s freedom fight against British Raj.

Dr BC Roy also served as the second chief minister of West Bengal and due to his continuous efforts and insightful steps taken for the development of the state, he is also known as the Maker of Modern West Bengal.

Bidhan completed his matriculation from Patna Collegiate School in 1897, obtained his I.A. (Intermediate Arts) degree from Presidency College, Calcutta and B.A. from Patna College with Honors in Mathematics.

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After completing his graduation in mathematics, he applied for admission to Calcutta Medical College. Right after his graduation, Roy joined the Provincial Health Service where he manifested tremendous dedication and hard work and even served as a nurse when needed.

Dr Roy is one of the few people in history to have obtained F.R.C.S. and M.R.C.P. degrees simultaneously. FRCS is a professional medical qualification at the end of higher specialist training in general surgery and other specialisms while MCRP is 

as a three-year structured post-graduate programme with core medical training (CMT).    

Before stepping into politics, Dr Roy also taught at the Calcutta Medical College, and later at the Campbell Medical School and the Carmichael Medical College.

His understanding of the concept of swaraj (the call to action for India’s freedom) was different than other freedom fighters. He believed that the dream of freedom would remain a dream unless the people were healthy and strong both mentally and physically. 

Dr Roy was also conferred with Bharat Ratna in 1961. His role and contribution in the establishment of the country’s most prestigious hospitals like Jadavpur T.B. Hospital, Chittaranjan Seva Sadan, Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Victoria Institution (college), Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital and the Chittaranjan Seva Sadan for women and children are unparallel.