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Dr. Harisingh Gaur University in Madhya Pradesh preserves WWII medical equipment from the US, Germany, and England, showcasing unique and durable tools used during the war
The items in this museum are rare and provide a unique glimpse into the medical history of the Second World War. (Local18)
The Second World War is regarded as the deadliest conflict in human history. Approximately 10 crore soldiers from 70 countries fought in the war, resulting in crores of injured soldiers.
Many wonder how medical care was provided with limited resources during the war. The medical equipment used in the Second World War is preserved in the museum of Dr Harisingh Gaur University, Madhya Pradesh, where preservation efforts have been ongoing for the past two years.
Antique Medical Equipment
The collection includes equipment from the United States, Germany, and England,, much of which is not even listed on Google. Dr Abhishek Jain, Chief Medical Officer at the university hospital, highlights the uniqueness of these items.
For instance, during the war, a stretcher made of army cloth was used to transport injured soldiers to camp. This museum houses a folding stretcher, known as a Gurney’s Trolley, used by the American Army. It is nearly 80-years-old, can support up to 100 kg, and remains in excellent condition.
Additionally, the museum features an iron bed used for transporting injured soldiers, even on train ambulances. This US-made bed, over 80-years-old, is still rust-free.
Preserved Medical Utensils
Dr Abhishek Jain also points out the preserved utensils used for treatment, dating back to 1939 and 1941. These utensils are remarkably durable, easy to clean, and resistant to infection. Made in Bengal, they were essential during the war.
For orthopaedic injuries like fractures, Thomas Splints were used, named after the father of orthopaedic surgery. These steel splints were designed for both arms and legs.
Other Notable Equipment
The museum also features an iron weighing machine which weighs about 25 kg and can support up to 200 kg. Made in Germany, it remains in perfect condition.
Additionally, there are surgical tools made in England for stitching, cutting, and other procedures. These were housed in small leather bags for on-site medical treatment and are still rust-free.
Dr Harisingh Gaur University, established in 1946, received Second World War-related materials donated to the university hospital. Research is ongoing to identify the donors of this equipment. The items in this museum are rare and provide a unique glimpse into the medical history of the Second World War.
- Location :
Madhya Pradesh, India, India