Pays tribute to Dr. B.C. Roy; urges IMA to lead transformation in Indian healthcare
New Delhi: On the occasion of Doctors’ Day, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh paid a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy — one of India’s most respected physicians and nation-builders — emphasizing the urgent need to restore the deep trust that once defined the doctor-patient relationship.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) national celebration in New Delhi, Dr. Singh reflected on Dr. Roy’s legacy, stating, “Dr. Roy charged ₹66 as consultation fees in the 1940s and was never questioned. That was the level of trust society had in its doctors. Today, we must introspect — what changed?”
The event saw participation from IMA’s top leadership, including National President Dr. Bhanushali, President-Elect Dr. Naik, and former President Dr. Asoken, alongside other office bearers.
A Call to Restore Faith and Integrity in Medical Practice
Urging the medical fraternity to reclaim the values of dignity, ethics, and trust, Dr. Singh attributed the changing perception of doctors not solely to individual conduct, but to a broader shift in societal values. He stressed that the IMA, as India’s largest and oldest body of medical professionals, must take the lead in this revival.
Founded in 1928, the IMA now represents over 3.3 lakh doctors through more than 1,750 local branches across 34 States and Union Territories. Dr. Singh praised the founding visionaries — including Dr. B.C. Roy, Dr. M.A. Ansari, Sir Nil Ratan Sircar, and Col. Bhola Nath — who not only shaped medical ethics but also participated in the freedom movement.
Changing Health Landscape Demands New Medical Mindsets
Highlighting the evolution of India’s disease burden, Dr. Singh noted the shift from infectious diseases to a dual challenge of communicable and non-communicable illnesses. He said, “We are now at a point where India represents the entire global disease spectrum — and that makes us a focus of international research.”
He also pointed to India’s unique demographic paradox — a young nation that is simultaneously ageing — calling for an overhaul in medical education and practice models to meet future healthcare needs.
Integration Over Isolation: Time for Whole-of-Medicine Collaboration
Dr. Singh stressed the need for a holistic and integrated healthcare model, blending allopathic systems with AYUSH practices and cutting-edge innovations. Citing yoga’s effectiveness in managing chronic illnesses, he said integration was no longer a matter of ideology, but a scientific necessity.
“The world is moving toward integrative medicine — not out of sentiment, but necessity,” he asserted.
India as a Global Leader in Medical Innovation
Referring to recent advancements such as India’s indigenous DNA vaccines, gene therapy trials, and the development of antibiotics like Nafithromycin, Dr. Singh said, “We are not catching up anymore. We are setting the global pace.”
He also highlighted the rise of biobanks, genome repositories, and AI-driven tools as future cornerstones of Indian medical research and healthcare delivery.
Embracing Change in the Era of AI and Robotic Medicine
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Singh urged the medical community to embrace a mindset of “unlearning and relearning,” as technology continues to reshape diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare access.
Calling for the removal of silos between public and private sectors, he said, “It is time for whole-of-nation healthcare powered by whole-of-medicine collaboration.”
“Let us not merely remember Dr. B.C. Roy — let us live by his values of trust, competence, and integrity,” Dr. Singh said, reinforcing the IMA’s pivotal role in steering the future of Indian healthcare.
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