Paying heartfelt tribute to Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy — legendary physician, visionary academic, and statesman — Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the need to revive the doctor-patient trust that once defined Indian healthcare. Speaking as the Chief Guest at the National Doctors’ Day celebrations organized by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dr. Singh reflected on Dr. Roy’s enduring legacy, both in medicine and nation-building.
The event was attended by IMA National President Dr. Bhanushali, President-Elect Dr. Naik, Immediate Past President Dr. Asoken, and other senior national office bearers.
Addressing a packed hall of medical professionals, Dr. Singh highlighted how Dr. B.C. Roy, one of the most respected figures of the 20th century, commanded deep societal trust without compromising on ethics or his consultation fees. “Dr. Roy charged ₹66 for a consultation in the 1940s — and no one questioned it. That was the level of trust. Today, we must ask ourselves: what has changed?”
He urged the medical community to reflect on this shift and work toward restoring the public’s confidence in the profession, noting that the erosion of trust is a reflection not just of individual actions, but broader societal changes.
Dr. Singh also emphasized the historic role of the IMA, calling it a cornerstone of India’s healthcare ecosystem. Founded in 1928 during the 5th All India Medical Conference in Calcutta, the IMA has grown into India’s largest and oldest association of medical professionals, with more than 3.3 lakh members and over 1,750 branches across all states and union territories.
He recalled the contributions of medical pioneers such as Dr. B.C. Roy, Dr. M.A. Ansari, Sir Nil Ratan Sircar, and Col. Bhola Nath — many of whom were not only healthcare leaders but also played vital roles in India’s freedom movement. “Their mission — to advance medical science, improve public health, and uphold professional ethics — remains more relevant than ever,” he remarked.
As a senior physician and diabetologist himself, Dr. Singh offered personal insights into the changing face of Indian healthcare. He noted how the country has transitioned from an era dominated by infectious diseases to one grappling with a dual burden — communicable and non-communicable diseases — presenting new challenges and opportunities for clinicians and researchers.
“India now mirrors the global disease landscape. Our demographic strength and diversity have made us a focus for international medical research,” he said.
Dr. Singh also addressed the demographic paradox — a predominantly young population with a rapidly ageing segment. “Life expectancy has risen from 50 years in the 1950s to over 70 today. This shift demands new thinking — in curriculum, delivery models, and attitudes,” he said.
He advocated for an integrated approach to healthcare — one that combines allopathic medicine with traditional AYUSH systems and leverages modern technology. Citing yoga’s value in chronic disease management, he called for dismantling rigid divides between medical systems and embracing integration based on scientific merit.
“We must move beyond doubt. Integrative medicine is not just a trend — it’s a necessity,” Dr. Singh asserted.
He also highlighted India’s rising prominence in global healthcare innovation, referencing advances such as the DNA vaccine, gene therapy trials, new-generation antibiotics like Nafithromycin, and the development of genome repositories and biobanks.
“We’re no longer playing catch-up — we are leading,” he said, urging young doctors to embrace this momentum with confidence and curiosity.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Singh called upon the medical community to introspect and adapt to rapid technological change. With breakthroughs like AI-assisted surgery, robotic diagnostics, and telemedicine redefining care delivery, he stressed the need for continuous learning.
“Unlearning and relearning are essential in this new era,” he said, adding that the future of healthcare depends on collaboration across public and private sectors, and across all medical disciplines.
“It’s time for whole-of-nation healthcare, supported by a unified medical ecosystem,” he concluded.
Urging the IMA to lead this transformation, Dr. Singh added, “Let us honour Dr. B.C. Roy not only in remembrance but in action — by upholding the values he embodied: trust, competence, and integrity.”