National Doctors Day: 4 Things to Know About This Day

Like every year, National Doctors Day 2022 will be celebrated on July 1. The day was first observed in 1991 to honor Indian doctors and their contributions to society. July 1 is the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was a world-renowned doctor.

Dr. Roy was the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, a Member of the Royal College of Physicians, a Bharat Ratna Awardee, and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. He helped in establishing institutes such as Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital, Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Jadavpur T.B. Hospital, Chittaranjan Seva Sadan, and more.

While the date for National Doctors Day was set to commemorate the contributions of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, it seeks to honor and celebrate all doctors and other healthcare professionals across the nation. With the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing waves and variants needing doctors to risk their lives and put in long hours to help patients, it becomes increasingly important to support doctors on National Doctors Day 2022. Read on to know more about Doctors Day and how you can celebrate National Doctors Day 2022.

Contributions made by Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy 

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy played a critical role in advancing the field of medicine in India. His role was also integral in the formation of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Medical Council of India. Other than being a doctor, he was also an educationist and a politician who contributed greatly to building more institutes to help the people.

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy was the one who set in motion the development of the Infectious Disease Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, and also the first postgraduate medical college. Referring to his work, the British Medical Journal, in his obituary, said that Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy towered over his peers in the field and probably has the largest practice across the globe [1].

How doctors are an integral part of the society 

The important role that the doctors play in society was highlighted, especially during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 1500 doctors lost their lives while serving the nation during this time [2]. However, a pandemic or an epidemic is not the only time when doctors’ roles our contributions matter.

Doctors and other healthcare professionals are continually on their feet to study and stay updated with the happenings in the medical field. This allows them to take better care of their patients and give them the best care.

This National Doctors Day 2022, learn about some daily contributions that doctors make to help keep the people safe: 

• Help save, improve, and extend the lives of the people  
• Help people adjust to living with a disability 
• Help people recover faster and ease their pain 
• Help people get access to preventive treatment 
• Help educate people on the ways to take better care of their health 
• Help in controlling epidemics and pandemics by creating awareness and offering treatment

The above-mentioned contributions are just the tip of the iceberg on how doctors help people live meaningful lives. Doctors also help the government and related bodies in creating the right healthcare policies. What’s more, they employ staff, thus creating jobs and contributing to the Indian GDP. In fact, the healthcare sector in India is one of our nation’s biggest employers [3]!

The theme for National Doctors Day 2022 

Every year, the theme for National Doctors Day is different and focuses on the various ways in which doctors make a difference in society. The National Doctors Day 2022 theme is Family Doctors on the Front Line. This theme of National Doctors Day 2022 sheds light on how family doctors are at the forefront of protecting people and caring for their physical and mental health.

Ways to celebrate National Doctors Day 2022 

Celebrating National Doctors Day is a great way to show doctors that their work and efforts are greatly appreciated. Though a simple thank you or a Happy Doctors Day message can do the trick, you can also go the extra mile the way they do.

Some of the ways you can celebrate National Doctors Day 2022 on the July 1 and beyond are: 

• Use social media to thank your general physician or a specialist who helped you during your time of need and tag them as well as their place of work to spread awareness.  
• Share a personal incident where your doctor helped you on social channels and convey your gratitude. 
• Share a testimonial online to bring forth the efforts and work of doctors who were there for you during trying times.  
• Make a pledge to donate your organs and encourage people around you to become organ donors too.  
• Make a monetary donation to a charity or foundation started or supported by your doctor. 
• Take necessary preventive steps to boost your health.  
• Follow your doctor’s suggestions and be honest about your habits during your consultations.

Now that you know about Doctors Day and how to celebrate National Doctors Day 2022 be sure to keep in mind the integral role these medical professionals play in society. With teleconsultation catching on as a convenient and safe way to talk to doctors, you too can leverage its benefits. For any health concerns, you can book an appointment in minutes on Bajaj Finserv Health. No matter what, follow your doctor’s guidance and take good measures to stay healthy.

Apart from National Doctor’s Day, you can also participate in activities around World Family Doctor Day as well as World Population Day to be better informed. Being aware of these observances will help you understand how you can contribute to a better, healthier society.