National Doctor’s Day 2025: A Salute to the Healers of the Nation

Every year on July 1, India pauses to honour its medical community with National Doctors’ Day — a heartfelt tribute to the individuals who carry the weight of healing on their shoulders. But this day is more than just a celebration; it’s a reminder of history, sacrifice, and what we owe to our healers.

Why July 1 Matters

The date marks the birth anniversary of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, born on July 1, 1882. He was a legendary physician, a visionary leader, and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal. He played a crucial role in shaping India’s healthcare system and was instrumental in establishing the Indian Medical Association and the Medical Council of India. For his contributions, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1961.

In 1991, the Government of India officially declared July 1 as National Doctors’ Day to commemorate his legacy.

Celebrating the Force Behind the White Coats

This day is not just about cutting cakes and posting selfies with stethoscopes. It’s about understanding the real lives of doctors:

• The long nights spent saving lives

• The quiet resilience during crises

• The emotional toll of loss, grief, and constant pressure

Across India, medical conferences, free health check-up camps, and felicitation ceremonies mark this occasion, not just to honour excellence but to start real conversations about healthcare access, burnout, and system reform.

📊 India’s Medical Landscape: The Numbers Speak

As per government data:

• 13.8 lakh registered allopathic doctors

• 7.5 lakh AYUSH practitioners

• A doctor-patient ratio of 1:811

• 74,306 PG seats and 1,18,190 MBBS seats

Yet, these numbers hide the ongoing reality: many rural and tribal areas remain underserved, with limited access to quality medical care.

President Droupadi Murmu: “Let Doctors Be Beacons of Hope”

Speaking at the first convocation of AIIMS Gorakhpur, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a powerful message to young doctors:

“Doctors are not just disease-fighters. They lay the foundation of a healthy society.”
“We must build an education system where future doctors learn the art of empathy, not just anatomy.”

She highlighted that AIIMS institutions are pillars of India’s healthcare system, offering affordable treatment and instilling hope, even in the most remote corners. She also emphasised India’s growing global recognition in medical tourism, thanks to its cost-effective and high-quality care.

CM Yogi Adityanath: “Healthcare in UP is Rapidly Transforming”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, also present at the event, noted that AIIMS Gorakhpur has become a medical hub, serving not just patients from Uttar Pradesh but also from Bihar and Nepal.

Earlier in the day, President Murmu also addressed the 11th convocation of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly, reflecting her focus on healthcare, research, and rural development.

Doctors in Pandemics: Heroes, But Also Humans

The COVID-19 pandemic reminded the world of the vital role doctors play. But behind the “hero” label lies an ethical complexity.

During pandemics, doctors are often hailed as heroes — but their duty to serve is not without limits.

Ethicists argue that while doctors possess unique skills, their responsibilities must be balanced with personal safety, family obligations, and emotional limits. In extreme conditions, opting out may be ethically justified, especially when reciprocal obligations like safety gear, mental health support, and fair working conditions are unmet.

As a society, if we ask doctors to rise to the occasion, we must also rise to meet their needs — structurally, emotionally, and financially.

National Doctor’s Day is a time to express gratitude & it’s a time to take responsibility.

Let us honour doctors not just with words, but with better policies, safer work environments, and genuine respect for their lives beyond the hospital. Let us listen to their challenges, protect their rights, and build a system where doctors don’t just survive, they thrive.

Healing a nation starts with healing those who care for it most.