A Tribute to the Legendary Physician and Politician: Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy

Abstract

This comprehensive review article examines the profound and multifaceted impact of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (1 July 1882 to 1 July 1962) on the political landscape and healthcare system of post-independence India, with a particular focus on West Bengal. Dr. Roy, a distinguished physician who became the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, embodied a rare combination of medical expertise and political acumen that significantly shaped the trajectory of the newly independent nation. The article delves into Dr. Roy's pivotal role in West Bengal's industrialisation, including establishing the Durgapur Steel Plant and the Kalyani engineering hub, which laid the foundation for the state's economic development. It also explores his visionary urban planning initiatives, exemplified by the creation of Salt Lake City (Bidhannagar), which revolutionised Kolkata's expansion. The review analyses Dr. Roy's transformative contributions to healthcare, including establishing numerous medical institutions such as the Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital and the Chittaranjan Seva Sadan Hospital for women and children. His efforts to improve public health infrastructure, enhance medical education, and raise the overall standard of healthcare delivery in India are critically examined. The article investigates how Dr. Roy's medical background informed his political decisions, leading to innovative, evidence-based approaches to addressing public health challenges and implementing welfare schemes. His instrumental role in founding the Indian Medical Association and his influence on shaping national health policies are also scrutinised. This review provides a holistic understanding of Dr. Roy's enduring legacy by synthesising historical records, policy documents, personal accounts, and contemporary analyses. It argues that his integrated approach to governance and medicine transformed West Bengal and set a precedent for evidence-based policymaking in India, particularly in the health sector. The article concludes by reflecting on how Dr. Roy's vision and principles continue to be relevant in addressing contemporary challenges in public health and governance, cementing his status as a visionary leader whose impact transcends regional and national boundaries.

Keywords: dr. bidhan chandra roy; historical vignettes; indian healthcare reform; medical council of india (mci); physician writer; politician; public health education.

Figure 1. Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy

Source: [5]