Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy was a towering figure in Indian history—a physician, freedom fighter, visionary leader, and the very embodiment of service. His life’s journey is the reason India celebrates National Doctors’ Day on July 1, which marks both his birth and death anniversary.
A Life Devoted to Healing and Nation-Building
Born on July 1, 1882, in Patna, Dr. Roy pursued medicine at Calcutta Medical College and later became one of the few Indians to earn both MRCP (Medicine) and FRCS (Surgery) from London’s prestigious St. Bartholomew’s Hospital—completing both in just over two years, a record at the time. But his brilliance wasn’t confined to degrees. He returned to India and dedicated his life to public health, often treating the poor for free—even after entering politics.
His Contributions to the Medical World
Dr. Roy’s legacy in medicine is vast and enduring:
- Founder of Key Institutions: He was instrumental in establishing the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Medical Council of India (MCI), which continue to regulate and uplift medical standards in India.
- Builder of Medical Infrastructure: He set up several hospitals and institutions in Kolkata, including:
- R.G. Kar Medical College
- Chittaranjan Seva Sadan
- Victoria Institution
- Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital
- The first postgraduate medical college in Calcutta
- Mental and Public Health Pioneer: He founded the Institute of Mental Health and Infectious Disease Hospital, and expanded healthcare access across West Bengal during his tenure as Chief Minister.
- Polio and Malaria Clinics: He personally initiated the establishment of clinics to combat polio and malaria, long before such efforts were mainstream.
A Statesman with a Surgeon’s Precision
Dr. Roy served as the second Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1948 to 1962, and was known as the architect of modern Bengal. He founded five major cities—Durgapur, Kalyani, Bidhannagar, Ashoknagar, and Habra—and emphasized urban planning, industrialization, and public welfare.
Despite his political responsibilities, he never gave up medicine. Even as CM, he would devote time daily to treat patients.
Honours and Legacy
- Bharat Ratna Awardee (1961) – India’s highest civilian honour, for his unmatched contributions to medicine and public service.
- B.C. Roy National Award – Instituted in his memory in 1976, it is one of the highest recognitions in Indian medicine.
Why We Remember Him on Doctors’ Day
Dr. Roy passed away on July 1, 1962, the same date he was born. His life came full circle in service to humanity. In 1991, the Government of India declared this day as National Doctors’ Day to honour his legacy and the tireless efforts of doctors across the country.
He wasn’t just a doctor—he was a healer of bodies, a builder of institutions, and a guardian of public health. His story reminds us that medicine is not just a profession—it’s a calling.