Partition of Bengal and the Expansion of Healthcare Facilities in Eastern Bengal MOHAMMAD ABUL KAWSER Professor, Department of History, University of Dhaka

https://doi.org/10.59815/bhs.vol2604

Abstract: As argued by British historians and publicists, the Partition of Bengal in 1905 was largely driven by administrative efficiency while most Indian politicians and publicists considered it a political measure under the guise of administrative reform. Whatever the reasons behind this partition, the new province of Eastern Bengal and Assam experienced administrative changes, infrastructural development, and opportunities for education and employment. This paper explores the medical supervision and the supply of free medicines provided to educational institutions in Eastern Bengal and Assam, focusing on hostels attached to government colleges and schools. The paper neither engages in the analysis in light of any theoretical insights nor formulate, support or reject any theory. Rather, using archival data, it aims to construct medical history in an area previously overlooked by historians. Findings of the paper suggest that healthcare facilities in Eastern Bengal and Assam were expanded and reorganized during the post-partition period. Moreover, a uniform and clearly defined healthcare policy was adopted for both portions of the province, i. e., East Bengal and Assam, except a special arrangement for the hostels in Dhaka.

Key Words: Eastern Bengal, Dacca College, Medicine, Medical supervision, Assistant Surgeon.