SEJARAH PERUBATAN DAN KESIHATAN DI KEDAH, 1882-1909

Abstract

This article aims to assess the role of local administrators in the development of Kedah state medicine and health from the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid until the appointment of an Assistant British Advisor in 1909. The findings show that prior to British intervention in Kedah, modern medical and health services were enjoyed only by the royal family and also local administrators like sultans and leader. While the local people practiced traditional medicine. This has led to the spread of various infectious diseases in the state of Kedah. The deteriorating health quality has alarmed local administrators as a result they begin to take steps to provide modern medical services to the local community such as vaccination injections; restructuring Kedah state health administration; improve health facilities in the hospital or equipped with modern equipment and build new hospitals and dispensaries. In this framework, this study will evaluate the role of local administrators in the development of Kedah state medicine and health from 1882 to 1909. This study is using qualitative method based on  the library and archival sources.  

Received:​​ ​27 January 20​20​

Reviewed: ​​​​​27 January 20​20​

Accepted: ​10 ​May 20​20​