New Delhi, July 14, 2025: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh made an emotional appeal to India’s medical fraternity to restore the time-tested doctor-patient trust that once defined the nation’s healthcare ecosystem. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Doctors’ Day celebrations organized by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Delhi.
Invoking Dr. B.C. Roy’s Legacy
Dr. Singh paid heartfelt tribute to Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy — a legendary physician, freedom fighter, and India’s second Chief Minister of West Bengal. He emphasized that Dr. Roy’s era stood as a golden example of trust, ethics, and competence in the medical field.
“Dr. Roy charged ₹66 in the 1940s for a consultation, yet no one questioned him. That was the level of trust he commanded. We must ask ourselves why that trust has diminished today,” said Dr. Singh.
He urged doctors to introspect and reclaim the moral stature once naturally associated with the profession. According to him, the erosion of trust is not just an individual issue but a reflection of broader societal change.
IMA: Pillar of Indian Healthcare
The Minister lauded the Indian Medical Association as the largest and oldest body of medical professionals in India. Founded in 1928 during the All India Medical Conference in Calcutta, the IMA now represents over 3.3 lakh doctors through 1,750+ branches across 34 states and union territories.
Dr. Singh acknowledged the contributions of founding visionaries like Dr. B.C. Roy, Dr. M.A. Ansari, Sir Nil Ratan Sircar, and Col. Bhola Nath. He noted that these pioneers not only promoted healthcare but also contributed to India’s freedom struggle.
“Their mission — to advance medical sciences and uphold the dignity of the profession — remains more relevant today than ever,” he said.
Changing Health Challenges in India
As a senior diabetologist and medical professor himself, Dr. Singh highlighted the transformation in India’s disease landscape. From a past dominated by infectious diseases, India now battles a dual burden — communicable and non-communicable diseases.
“We have every disease known to science. That’s why global researchers are now turning to India,” he remarked. The country’s growing health challenges, he said, are also opportunities for research, innovation, and global leadership.
India’s Evolving Demographics
India is a young nation — over 70% of its population is under the age of 42. Yet, life expectancy has risen to over 70 years. This dual dynamic poses unique challenges, requiring new medical curricula, mindsets, and integrated healthcare models.
“We are living longer, but that also means we’re dealing with more complex and chronic conditions. The medical community must be ready,” he emphasized.
Call for Holistic Healthcare Integration
Dr. Singh strongly advocated for integrated healthcare — a system that merges Allopathy, AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), and modern technology.
“The world is moving toward integrative medicine — not out of emotion, but necessity,” he said. He highlighted the effectiveness of yoga in managing chronic illness and called for the removal of silos between different medical systems.
He also referenced India’s breakthroughs in DNA vaccines, gene therapy, indigenous antibiotics like Nafithromycin, and emerging genome banks.
“We are no longer catching up. We are leading,” Dr. Singh proudly stated.
Doctors Must Embrace Unlearning and Relearning
In a world of AI-assisted surgeries, robotic diagnostics, and telemedicine, Dr. Singh emphasized that doctors must stay ahead of the curve. “Adaptability is key. We must unlearn old ways and relearn new ones,” he advised.
He also emphasized bridging the public-private divide in healthcare and called for a “whole-of-nation approach” powered by unity across medical systems.
Closing With a Message of Trust and Purpose
Dr. Singh ended his address with a powerful reminder. “Let’s not just celebrate Doctors’ Day by remembering Dr. B.C. Roy. Let’s live the values he stood for — trust, competence, and integrity,” he said.
He encouraged the IMA to lead this movement for ethical, compassionate, and inclusive healthcare. The crowd of medical professionals responded with applause, affirming their commitment to the path ahead.
