Author:

Prabir Roy
PhD Research Scholar
Department of History
Raiganj University
Uttar Dinajpur,West Bengal ,India

Email: Prabirtpn2001@gmail.com

Abstract: We consider health as wealth and public health is the key for social prosperity and economic growth of a country. Through this paper, an attempt has been made to give an idea about the healthcare system of Dinajpur district from 1862 to 1961. I have selected this specific period because in 1862, Maharaja Taraknath Roy of Dinajpur established Dinajpur Dispensary. After the establishment of the Dispensary, the modern healthcare system started in the district. Thus, the year of 1862 is a landmark in the healthcare sector of the district. On the other hand, The Planning Commission was established in India in 1950, this body subsequently formulated the Five-Year Plans. These plans set specific targets for the ensuing five-year periods. The year of 1961 marked the end of the second five-year plan. These plans played a significant role in improving the healthcare system of Dinajpur. According to various sources, the public health condition of Dinajpur has been very poor since the creation of the district. Horrible images of fever, cholera, malaria, and other fatal diseases can be seen in the district. However, there were some improvements of this situation during the twenty-first century. This paper will focus on the, prevailing diseases of the district, prevailing indigenous medicinal treatment and practices, role of the colonial Government in pre- independence era and the role of Bengal Government in post-independence to eradicate the diseases and improve the healthcare facilities of the district.

Key Words: Disease, Dispensary, Hospital, Vaccination, Zamindar etc.