Doctor’s Day: Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, Theme, Types & Role

Updated on October 14, 2026Author:NEXT IAS Contributors

Doctor's Day is celebrated in India annually on 1 July in recognition of the hard work and contribution made by doctors in improving the public health scenario. This day marks the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (1882-1962). Who was a famous doctor, freedom fighter and ex-Chief Minister of West Bengal.

It is interesting to note that Dr. Roy was awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna in 1961 for his contributions to medicine and public life. National Doctor's Day was 1st celebrated in India in 1991. Doctor's Day highlights the important contributions made by doctors in disease diagnosis, saving lives, medical research, and preventive healthcare.

Who was Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy?

Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy was an eminent doctor, freedom fighter, and ex-Chief Minister of West Bengal. He was born on 1 July 1882 in Patna and did his studies in medicine both in India and in Britain. As a doctor, he devoted his entire life to the service of his patients and improving healthcare facilities. He played an important role in public health and medical education by developing hospitals and educational institutes. He had also played an important role in the development of West Bengal as a state. He was awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna in 1961.

Doctor's Day Theme

The theme of National Doctor's Day 2026 in India is "Behind the Mask: Who heals the healers?" This focuses on the well-being of doctors. This is the same theme mentioned for National Doctors Day 2025.

Types of Doctors

S. No.	Type of Doctor	Specialisation
1.	General Physician	Diagnoses and treats common illnesses and health conditions.
2.	Cardiologist	Treats diseases related to the heart and blood vessels.
3.	Neurologist	Treats disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system.
4.	Dermatologist	Treats skin, hair and nail conditions.
5.	Paediatrician	Provides medical care for infants, children and adolescents.
6.	Gynaecologist	Specialises in women's reproductive health.
7.	Obstetrician	Provides care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
8.	Orthopaedic Doctor	Treats bone, joint, muscle and ligament disorders.
9.	Ophthalmologist	Diagnoses and treats eye diseases and performs eye surgery.
10.	ENT Specialist	Treats conditions of the ear, nose and throat.
11.	Psychiatrist	Diagnoses and treats mental health conditions using medical approaches.
12.	Psychologist	Studies behaviour and provides psychological assessment and therapy; not necessarily a medical doctor.
13.	Oncologist	Diagnoses and treats cancer.
14.	Nephrologist	Treats kidney diseases and related conditions.
15.	Urologist	Treats disorders of the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
16.	Gastroenterologist	Treats diseases of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines and liver-related conditions.
17.	Pulmonologist	Treats diseases of the lungs and respiratory system.
18.	Endocrinologist	Treats hormonal disorders, including diabetes and thyroid conditions.
19.	Dentist	Prevents and treats diseases of the teeth, gums and mouth.
20.	Radiologist	Uses medical imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans and MRI, to diagnose diseases.
21.	Anaesthesiologist	Provides anaesthesia and monitors patients during surgery and certain procedures.
22.	Surgeon	Performs operations to treat injuries, diseases and other medical conditions.
23.	Haematologist	Treats diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs.
24.	Rheumatologist	Treats arthritis and autoimmune diseases affecting joints and connective tissues.
25.	Emergency Medicine Specialist	Treats urgent illnesses, serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies.
26.	Infectious Disease Specialist	Diagnoses and treats complex infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
27.	Pathologist	Examines tissues, blood and other samples to help diagnose diseases.
28.	Geriatrician	Specialises in the healthcare needs of older adults.
29.	Sports Medicine Doctor	Treats sports-related injuries and helps people improve physical performance safely.
30.	Palliative Care Specialist	Helps relieve pain and other symptoms and improves quality of life for people with serious illnesses.

Their Role in Society

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention: Doctors diagnose illnesses, administer treatment, and educate people on ways to avoid such diseases.
Emergency and Critical Care: Doctors attend to accident victims, treat life-threatening situations, and at times make important decisions that may lead to saving someone's life.
Public Health Education: Doctors enlighten communities on cleanliness, vaccination, proper nutrition, and healthy living, all aimed at preventing the transmission of diseases.
Research and Development: Doctors take part in medical research, innovate treatment methods, and embrace technology in the provision of medical services.

List of Eminent Doctors

Doctor	Country	Major contribution
Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy	India	Physician, freedom fighter and former Chief Minister of West Bengal who contributed to healthcare and medical education.
Dr. Devi Shetty	India	Cardiac surgeon known for making heart surgery more accessible and affordable.
Dr. Prathap C. Reddy	India	Founder of Apollo Hospitals, who helped expand modern private healthcare in India.
Dr. Norman Borlaug	USA	Agricultural scientist known as the "Father of the Green Revolution"; helped improve global food security.
Dr. Jonas Salk	USA	Developed one of the first successful polio vaccines, helping protect millions of people.
Dr. Edward Jenner	England	Pioneered the smallpox vaccine, laying the foundation for modern vaccination.
Dr. Alexander Fleming	Scotland	Discovered penicillin, which transformed the treatment of bacterial infections.
Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell	UK/USA	Became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States and advanced women's participation in medicine.
Dr. Albert Schweitzer	Germany/France	Physician and humanitarian who established a hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon, serving underserved communities.
Dr. Paul Farmer	USA	Physician and anthropologist who expanded healthcare access for impoverished communities worldwide.
Dr. Charles Drew	USA	Pioneered blood storage and blood banking techniques that improved transfusion medicine.
Dr. Patricia Bath	USA	Ophthalmologist who invented a laser-based device for cataract treatment and advocated for equitable eye care.

FAQ

What is the date of Doctor's Day in India?

National Doctor's Day is celebrated on 1 July each year in India to pay tribute to doctors and to appreciate their contribution to healthcare.

Why Doctor's Day is celebrated on 1 July in India?

The reason behind celebrating Doctor's Day on 1 July is that the day celebrates the birthday and demise of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a notable physician and former Chief Minister of West Bengal.