How was the study of medicine during the British period, known when India's first MBBS batch passed?

Medical education in India started with Ayurveda and the Unani system, but during the British period, Western medicine gave a new direction. A new chapter of modern medical education in India started with the first MBBS batch in 1839.

The journey of medical education in India has been very interesting and inspiring. The modern medical system we see today has its roots centuries old. From the time of Charaka and Sushruta to Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani system, their own streams of treatment kept flowing. But with the advent of the British period, there was a big change in medical education and treatment system, 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 changed over time. In India, during the time of Charaka and Sushruta, treatment was done with indigenous medical systems like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani, which were very popular at that time. But during the British period, medical training started through Western treatment methods.

Beginning of the formation of the Medical Board

In the year 1822, the Medical Board of British surgeons wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Government of India, recommending the introduction of a systematic medical education system for Indians. Its purpose was to maintain public health and prepare qualified medical staff for the British East India Company.

Why was there a need for change?

The British did not trust the traditional medical system of Indians. For this reason they brought doctors from Europe. In the continuous wars in the middle of the 18th century, the surgeons of the European company were mostly busy in military services. In such a situation, Indian soldiers recruited in the East India Company started getting treatment from British surgeons.

An interesting aspect was that many upper caste Indian soldiers were reluctant to take European medicines. The reason for this was religious beliefs and distrust of the new method. Despite this, gradually Western medicine started spreading in India and a new chapter of medical education began, which gave birth to a new generation of doctors in the future.

The dream of going abroad and becoming a doctor

A few years later, four brave young men Chakkarbatti, Bhola Nath Bose, Dwarka Nath Bose and Gopal Chander Seal crossed the sea and went abroad with the dream of becoming doctors. In those days, going abroad, especially for studies, was full of social and cultural challenges. But these young men showed courage and took Indian medical education to the international stage.