July 1 has been observed as National Doctor’s Day since 1991. However, the day’s relevance is slightly more pertinent this time than the previous years.
At the very onset of the day, the National Testing Agency (NTA) declared the result of the retest for the medical entrance exam NEET-UG 2024.
The revised list was announced on Monday after a retest was conducted for candidates who were earlier awarded grace marks to compensate for loss of time as the exam on May 5 started late at six centres.
NTA appears to be very tactical with the dates.
It was June 4, when it first declared the results of the NEET-UG 2024— a day when the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was declared. And the retest’s results coincide with the National Doctor’s Day.
Is, the day — National Doctor’s Day — selected for declaring the re-test results of the NEET examination a move to give justice to the students, amid allegations of irregularities?
Alas, the events that followed regarding the irregularities in the NEET examination still continue to rock the nation.
July 1— History and its Significance
National Doctors Day is celebrated on July 1st (since 1991) in India to honour the birth and death anniversary of the renowned physician Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
He was the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, who is remembered for his contributions to the medical field and his commitment to the welfare of the people.
The theme chosen for National Doctor’s Day in 2024 is “Healing Hands, Caring Hearts.”
As far as the significance of the day is concerned, National Doctor's Day acknowledges the critical role doctors play in society. From providing routine medical care to responding to emergencies, doctors are the backbone of the healthcare system.
The day is also considered an opportunity for the public to express gratitude to the medical community. This day encourages society to appreciate and support the medical profession and to advocate for better working conditions and resources for healthcare workers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, extended his greetings on the occasion taking to platform X.
“Greetings on Doctors Day. This is a day to honour the incredible dedication and compassion of our healthcare heroes. They can navigate the most challenging complexities with remarkable skill. Our Government is fully committed to improving the health infrastructure in India and ensuring doctors get the widespread respect they deserve,” PM Modi wrote.
On the other hand, a day, which should be reserved for expressing gratitude to the entire medical fraternity, also saw discussion in the Parliament over the controversy surrounding the NEET exam.
The tensions between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Congress-led INDIA bloc persisted on Monday in the Lok Sabha, with the INDIA walking out over its demand for a discussion on the ongoing NEET row.
The Opposition, led by the Congress, pressed for a dedicated one-day debate on the issue of the NEET paper leak in the Lower House of Parliament. Conversely, the government aimed to continue the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address to the Parliament.
The Opposition demands a solution into the NEET issue, as LoP Rahul Gandhi stressed, “We need to send a strong message from Parliament to the students that we prioritise the NEET issue”.
The PM, too, took to X to address how the healthcare heroes of the country have to navigate through “challenging complexities” to serve the nation.
The manner in which students who work hard to succeed in the examination, which will enable them to live their dreams of becoming a doctor, have been failed with the reported irregularities is worrying. And they should be served justice.
Mere addressing the issue and turning it into a political debate will not serve the problem.
Although the Central Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation, punishment for those found guilty should act as a testament that will help avoid any such controversy around India’s top-notch medical examination in future.
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