Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, while addressing the Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) Doctors’ Day celebration, invoked the legacy of legendary physician Dr. B.C. Roy and emphasized the need to rebuild doctor-patient trust, A key value of Dr. Roy’s era.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the national event in Delhi, Dr. Singh called upon medical professionals to restore the dignity, ethics, and trust that once defined their noble profession. “Dr. B.C. Roy charged over ₹66 as consultation fee in the 1940s, and no one questioned it. That trust has eroded, and we must ask ourselves why,” he said.
Dr. Singh also praised IMA as the oldest and largest body of medical practitioners in India, representing over 3.3 lakh doctors through 1,750+ branches across 34 states and UTs. He described the Association as a pillar of India’s healthcare ecosystem and recalled the contributions of visionaries like Dr. B.C. Roy, Dr. M.A. Ansari, and Sir Nil Ratan Sircar, many of whom also played key roles in India’s freedom struggle.
Highlights of My Address at the #DoctorsDay celebration organised by the national body of Indian Medical Association #IMA::
“Invoked Dr. B.C. Roy’s Legacy .
Called for restoring the Doctor-Patient trust which was the hallmark of Dr. B.C. Roy’s times.One of the greatest traits… pic.twitter.com/bRgPZvsdzV
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) July 13, 2025
Highlighting India’s medical evolution, the Minister discussed the country’s shift from infectious to lifestyle-related diseases and urged doctors to adapt to emerging health challenges. “India is both young and ageing. Life expectancy has risen to over 70 years, requiring a new healthcare approach,” he said.
He stressed on the need for holistic healthcare by integrating allopathy, AYUSH, and modern technology. “The future lies in integrative medicine not from emotion, but from necessity,” he noted, citing the role of yoga and indigenous innovations like the DNA vaccine and Nafithromycin.
Encouraging medical professionals to embrace change, Dr. Singh said, “This is the era of AI-assisted surgery, robotic diagnostics, and telemedicine. Doctors must unlearn and relearn.”
Concluding, he called for unity in public and private healthcare delivery, stating, “It is time for whole-of-nation healthcare powered by whole-of-medicine collaboration. Let us honor Dr. Roy’s values of trust, competence, and integrity.”
