The United Kingdom marked the 140th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B. C. Roy and National Doctors’ Day by unveiling a commemorative plaque at our office today.
The plaque celebrates the immense contribution of doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals from West Bengal to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service since its foundation in 1948. These links continue to go from strength to strength and are a core element of our living bridge in Kolkata and West Bengal.
Mr. Nick Low, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata and Mr. Narayan Swaroop Nigam, IAS, Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal unveiled the plaque in front of Dr. Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director East and Northeast India, British Council Division and members of the medical fraternity.
Mr. Nick Low, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata said: “Bidhan Chandra Roy overcame prejudice and discrimination to study medicine at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. He went on to become the father of modern healthcare in India, which is why we celebrate National Doctors’ Day on 1 July, the anniversary of Dr. Roy’s birth and his death. Dr. Roy blazed a trail for Indian healthcare professionals to study and work in the United Kingdom. We are forever in his debt for doing so. The contribution of physicians, surgeons, nurses, radiographers, physiotherapists and others from West Bengal to the UK’s National Health Service has been, and remains, immense. I’m honoured that today we commemorate and celebrate that.”
Mr. Narayan Swaroop Nigam, IAS, Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal said: “I am happy to be here unveiling the plaque recognising the services of the doctors and healthcare professionals from West Bengal towards the National Health Service, UK. Bengal has always been the seat of medical education including the establishment of the first medical college of Asia, Calcutta Medical College. We are glad that the services of the healthcare professionals from West Bengal working at the NHS are recognised by the UK Government.”
Dr. Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director East and Northeast India, British Council Division said: “As a leader, Dr. B C Roy played a huge role in strengthening the education and research ecosystem in West Bengal. He is also one of the most iconic alumni of UK medical education, having achieved the rate distinction of being admitted to both FRCS and MRCP. British Council is privileged to celebrate the birth anniversary of the polymath that was Dr. B C Roy and observe Doctors’ Day.”