National Doctor’s Day: A day dedicated to our Frontline Warriors

While India is still fighting the deadly outbreak, our Frontline Warriors are fighting to protect our lives, and one of those heroes is our physicians. They have been nothing less than heroes, working tirelessly to save lives, even if it means putting their own lives in danger. And, there is no better day than today, National Doctor's Day, to express our appreciation for our medical heroes.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) observes National Doctors' Day on 1st July. The day is devoted to all doctors and healthcare workers who have risked their lives to serve the people. Indeed, the COVID-19 outbreak has once again highlighted the efforts and sacrifices made by doctors and healthcare professionals worldwide.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) in India initially marked National Doctor's Day on 1st July 1991, to commemorate the birth and death anniversaries of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Dr Roy was born on 1st July 1882, and took his last breath on the same date in 1962 at the age of 80. He played a crucial role in the creation of the Medical Council of India and the Indian Medical Association. Further, on February 4, 1961, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna.

Doctors have been working around the clock to save people's lives since the coronavirus pandemic hit the country. Many dedicated doctors died as a result of the fatal illness they developed while working. Nevertheless, this has had no impact on the individuals working in the field, who continue to make every effort to treat each patient.

Earlier, when there was no understanding of how to treat coronavirus, many doctors relied on their knowledge and treated patients with medications intended to treat other diseases in order to cure them of the virus. In reality, there was a period when doctors and hospital workers did not really have adequate personal protection equipment, however, they did not abandon their duties and continued to serve for the greater good of society.

During these difficult times, many doctors began offering free online consultation services to patients who could not afford treatment. Numerous people in this field went so far as to share videos of workouts and things that a person may do if they become infected with the virus.

Furthermore, many medical professionals also travelled to rural India with basic medicines to treat patients who did not have access to any healthcare facilities.