The journey of medical education in India has been very interesting and inspiring. The modern medical system we see today, its roots are centuries old. From the time of Charak and Sushruta to Ayurveda, Siddha and Greek methods, its own stream of treatment continued to flow. But with the arrival of the British period, there was a big change in medical education and treatment method, which gave a new direction to the dreams of becoming a doctor in India.
India’s first MBBS batch passed in 1839. Let us know how the medical education system has changed over time. At the time of Charak and Sushruta in India, treatment was done with indigenous medical practices like Ayurveda, Siddha and Greek, which were quite popular at that time. But during the British period, medical training started through Western treatment method.
Start of formation of medical board
In the year 1822, the Medical Board of British Surgeons wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Government of India, recommending to start a systematic medical education system for Indians. Its purpose was to maintain public health and prepare a qualified medical staff for the British East India Company.
Why was there a need for change?
British did not rely on the traditional medical system of Indians. For this reason, he brought a doctor from Europe. The European company surgeons were mostly busy with military services in the continuous wars in the middle of the 18th century. In such a situation, Indian soldiers admitted to East India Company started getting treatment from British surgeons.
An interesting aspect was also that many upper caste soldiers were hesitant to take European medicines. The reason for this was religious beliefs and mistrust on the new method. Despite this, gradually the Western medical system began to spread in India and a new chapter of medical education started, which gave birth to a new generation of doctors in the future.
Dream of becoming a doctor abroad
A few years later, four brave youths, Bhola Nath Bose, Dwarka Nath Bose and Gopal Chander crossed the sea and went abroad with a dream of becoming a doctor. At that time, going abroad, especially for studies, was full of social and cultural challenges. But these youths showed courage and brought Indian medical education to the international stage.
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