DOCTORS DAY: THE CELEBRATION OF DR BIDHAN CHANDRA ROY

Today is the 1st of July, also known as Doctor’s Day. We celebrate it in honor of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, one of the most influential men in Modern India.

He was born in 1882 in Patna, the youngest of five siblings, to a modest family. He studied at Presidency College, Kolkata, and later at Patna College with Honours in Mathematics. After completing further studies at Calcutta Medical College he left for England to pursue further medical training.

Records show he tried to apply at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, over 30 times before they relented and allowed entry. Within two years he was a fellow of not just the Royal College of Physicians but also the Royal College of Surgeons, a feat unheard of today.

When India was pushing for its freedom Dr Roy returned home with the aim of making his home nation’s people strong, healthy and successful. He had a major role in establishing healthcare facilities including the Jadavpur TB Hospital, Chittaranjan Seva Sadan, Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Victoria Institution and Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital in Kolkata.

He was very close to Mahatma Gandhi's personal physician & the only man Gandhi would reluctantly obey. During

When India got independence, he wanted to go back to medicine, but Gandhi told him Bengal needed him. During his fast in Pune, Dr Roy visited him and encouraged him to take his medicine.

Gandhiji had refused medicines because they were was not made in India and asked him, "Why should I take your treatment? Do you treat four hundred million of my countrymen free?" The doctor had replied "No Gandhiji, I could not treat all patients free. But I came here not to treat Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, but to treat someone who represents the four hundred million people of my country."

Dr Roy was also very involved in politics and leadership roles, having a significant positive impact on people's lives. He played a role as the Mayor of Calcutta, Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, President of the Medical Council of India and the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). It was under his mayorship that the city undertook a massive expansion in free education, public health care, road infrastructure, improved lighting, and water supply.

After Independence Gandhiji persuaded him to stay as a leader, in the office of Chief Minister of West Bengal, on the condition he could pick his cabinet without political interference. Under his stewardship, he elevated the state from a time of chaos and violence to one of peace within three years.

One of his quotes is hugely relevant in these times. "Difficulties are always there-they will always be there, and I am glad that there are difficulties, for they excite the imagination and the intellect, and you can then find out the means by which you can solve the problem".

It is this role model we celebrate today on Doctor’s Day.

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Why Recurring Sore Throat Can Be a Serious Issue

A sore throat is a common complaint. Most of us experience it during seasonal changes, after a cold, or when we catch the flu. But what if your sore throat keeps coming back again and again? While many people dismiss it as a minor irritation, a recurring sore throat can actually signal more serious health issues that require proper attention.

What is a recurring sore throat?

A recurring sore throat refers to repeated or persistent throat discomfort that comes back multiple times in a year or lasts longer than usual. Normally, a viral sore throat improves within a week. If the problem lingers beyond 10 days or returns frequently, it falls into the category of chronic or recurring sore throat.

Why is it serious?

Undiagnosed infections
A single sore throat from a virus is not concerning. But if bacterial infections like strep throat keep coming back, they may damage the throat and spread to other parts of the body if untreated.
Inflammation and tissue damage
Constant irritation from allergies or acid reflux can harm the delicate tissues of the throat. Over time, this may affect your voice and overall throat function.
Underlying medical conditions
Recurring sore throat can be linked to issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergies, tonsil problems, or immune system weakness. In some cases, it may also be an early warning sign of more serious diseases such as tumors.
Complications
Recurrent infections can lead to abscesses around the tonsils, ear infections, or sinus problems. Inadequate or repeated antibiotic use can also cause resistance.
Impact on daily life
A constant sore throat affects your eating, speaking, sleeping, and quality of life. It leads to repeated doctor visits, discomfort, and stress.

Common causes of recurring sore throat

Bacterial infections like strep throat or chronic tonsillitis
Viral infections that linger or reactivate
Allergies that trigger postnasal drip and throat irritation
Acid reflux or GERD causing stomach acid to irritate the throat
Environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, and pollution
Mouth breathing during sleep due to nasal blockage
Immune weakness making you prone to repeated infections

Warning signs to watch for

You should never ignore these symptoms if they accompany a recurring sore throat:

Sore throat lasting longer than 2–3 weeks
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Lump or swelling in the throat or neck
Persistent hoarseness or voice changes
Unexplained weight loss
Blood in saliva or phlegm
Fever with night sweats

These are red flags that need immediate medical evaluation.

How lab tests help

Lab tests play a critical role in finding out why you have a recurring sore throat. Some useful investigations include:

Throat swab or culture to identify bacterial infections
Rapid antigen test for strep for quick diagnosis
Complete Blood Count (CBC) to detect infection or immune problems
CRP and ESR to check inflammation
Allergy tests to identify triggers like dust or pollen
Thyroid function tests to rule out thyroid-related throat problems
Reflux evaluation if GERD is suspected
Immune status tests if infections are unusually frequent

Through SecondMedic/Thyrocare, these tests can be arranged easily, giving you faster results and treatment planning.

Treatment and prevention

The treatment of recurring sore throat depends on its cause:

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Completing the full course is essential.
Viral infections usually require rest, hydration, and symptom management.
Acid reflux can be controlled with lifestyle changes like avoiding late meals, reducing spicy foods, and medications if required.
Allergies can be managed by identifying and avoiding triggers, along with prescribed medicines.
Tonsil problems may require surgical removal if infections are frequent and severe.

Preventive steps include:

Staying hydrated
Avoiding smoking and exposure to polluted air
Maintaining good throat hygiene
Managing acid reflux through diet and posture
Strengthening immunity with balanced nutrition and rest

When to see a doctor

If you suffer from frequent sore throats or if your symptoms come with any red flags, consult a healthcare professional without delay. Early evaluation prevents complications and ensures better outcomes.

Conclusion

Recurring sore throat is more than just an inconvenience. It is often a signal from your body that something is not right. Identifying the cause early and undergoing the right tests can help you recover faster and avoid long-term damage.

At SecondMedic, you can access lab tests, doctor consultations, and treatment guidance all in one place. Don’t ignore a sore throat that keeps returning — take charge of your health today and book your tests with SecondMedic/Thyrocare for accurate results and expert support.

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