Indian Medical Service past and present.

  • Beatson, William Burns.
Date:
1902-03
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Indian Medical Service past and present. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

    52/56 (page 46)
    blessing in disguise. It was soon followed by orders which made the Surgeons-General of the Departments each in- dependent of the other. It accelerated promotions which had long been stagnant. It provided increased pensions for all medical officers, from the youngest to the most ancient, who had reached the age of compulsory retirement. Since 1880 the Indian Medical Service has been com- pletely reorganized, and in many respects improved. Study of its past history reveals how closely it has been asso- ciated with the foundation of the British Empire in India ; how great has been its influence in supporting and de- veloping it, in harmonizing differences, and in reconciling to British rule the multitude of races and tribes which con- stitute the people of India. It tells how much has been done by Indian medical officers to increase our knowledge of Indian products and the development of industries arising out of them ; how it has originated and developed great departments of the public service. Indian medical officers have been largely concerned in bringing to perfection the Postal and Telegraph systems, the Forest Department, the management of Gaols, the system of State Sanitation, and have held medical charge— executive and administrative—of the Military and Civil stations of India. They have helped to introduce the study of English literature and science into the scheme of native education in India. They originated the system of medical education which is now carried on in the Presidency towns and numerous other centres. By means of Indian medical officers a system of medical education has been established, and has resulted in the formation of a class of well-educated native medical practitioners and subordinate warrant medical officers, who administer the hospitals and dispensaries provided everywhere by a benevolent Government for the relief of the sick and suffering. A hundred and fifty years have passed away since the Indian Medical Service consisted of a few imperfectly-