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Every year in India, the 1st of July marks the celebration of the doctors working around the country, tirelessly dedicated to the well-being and health of our nation. For the year 2025, the theme of National Doctors’ Day in India is 'Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?', acknowledging the overwhelming mental stress doctors endure throughout the year. This day serves as an opportunity to acknowledge, respect and celebrate the unwavering dedication our medical professionals in general, and doctors in particular, work with. But what is the significance and history of National Doctors’ Day? Read below to learn more:
In 1991, the helped establish the 1st of July as . The date was chosen to recognise the contribution of , one of the country’s most respected physicians, a visionary in public healthcare, who also served as the second of and was later honoured with the . Born on 1st July 1882 and passing away on the same date in 1962, Dr Roy’s legacy includes the founding of key medical institutions like the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Medical Council of India (MCI). His life’s work has inspired generations of doctors in India and continues to influence the medical system in the country to this day. In 2002, the Government of India officially recognised the day as National Doctors’ Day to celebrate Dr Roy and all the doctors in the country.
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This year’s theme, Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?, highlights the burdens doctors face as they selflessly put their patients first and often overlook their own care and the toll it takes on them mentally. The theme is a reminder to all of us that doctors are people as well and deserve the same amount of care they give to their patients. The celebration of medical professionals cannot be limited to times of pandemics and outbreaks, as they live each day on a war footing.
Doctors work under immense pressure, especially in a populated country like India. Long hours, night shifts, and a perpetual responsibility for someone else’s well-being make it natural to feel overwhelmed and distressed under such an environment. A study from a tertiary care hospital in North-India found that 30.1% of resident doctors were suffering from depression, 16.7% had had suicidal thoughts at some point, and up to 90% reported some level of burnout. The suicide rate for doctors has been variably estimated to be between two and five times the general population rate. In an Australian survey, thoughts of suicide were significantly higher in doctors (24.8%) compared with the general population (13.3%) and other professionals (12.8%). Psychiatrists and non-patient specialities (where doctors do not come into direct contact with patients) had higher rates than other specialities.
Although we look at doctors as people who are at our behest when we need them, it is important to remember they are equally co-dependent and, every now and then, need our support too.
