India, May 24 -- While every citizen of Lucknow is familiar with the famed 'King George's Medical University', not many would be aware of other lesser known colonial-era medical institutions of Lucknow, some of which lost their identity with the passage of time and vanished from public memory. After Nawabi rule was over, arrival of the British paved way for western system of medicine to gain a firm foothold, displacing systems such as Unani and Ayurveda. The earliest post-1857 colonial hospital of Lucknow, called 'Balrampur Hospital' evolved from the Residency Hill Dispensary. Its very location came under controversy, with a reprimanding note dated August 23, 1869, from the governor general himself, stating that, 'In selecting the site chosen for the hospital, the local administration completely overlooked the explicit resolution of the government of India that the space in question (clear ground adjoining the Residency) should be kept clear of buildings of any kind.' In 1878, sisters Elizabeth and Alice Bielby established 'Lucknow Medical Mission.' It was later managed by Dr Grace Mackinnon, who advocated for improved facilities, which led to the establishment of the Lady Kinnaird Memorial Hospital in 1891. Mary Jane Kinnaird, had been a key figure in establishing women's missions in India, linked to YWCA's origins. This hospital was fortunate in getting Dr Annie Cornall on its rolls, during its formative years. Dr Cornall was a pioneering lady doctor who had left Bristol, and contributed her medical skills during an outbreak of plague in India. In 1910, Dr Ethel Douglas assumed leadership and continued for the next 36 years. She expanded the hospital and enhanced the standards of care and training, which resulted in the formation of the North India Board of Examiners and State Registration Councils. In 1927, Dr Douglas was awarded the 'Kaiser-i-Hind' gold medal, with the provincial government allocating Rs 23,000 to the hospital for the construction of new wards. However, post-Independence, the hospital faced financial constraints and was eventually taken over by the King George's Medical College in 1971. A campaign for cost-effective medical services, particularly safe childbirth for women, had been launched by Georgina Hamilton or 'Lady Dufferin' - the wife of Frederick Hamilton or Lord Dufferin, Viceroy of India (1884-1888). The National Association for supplying Female Medical Aid to the Women of India created by her was referred to as the 'Countess of Dufferin Fund' as prior to her departure for India, she had been asked by Queen Victoria to initiate a plan to improve the situation for women in India in illness and in child-bearing. Numerous affluent and prominent individuals contributed substantial donations, which led to the establishment of 26 Dufferin Hospitals across India. The hospitals also trained local women in midwifery and funded medical education in the UK for women who qualified as medical practitioners in medical schools of Madras, Agra, Lahore and Calcutta in British India. The foundation stone of Lucknow's Dufferin Hospital was laid on April 5, 1889, not by Lady Dufferin, but by Maud Evelyn, wife of Henry Charles 'Lord Lansdowne' who succeeded Lord Dufferin as viceroy in 1888. Despite Lucknow having medical facilities at Balrampur, Lady Kinnaird and Dufferin hospitals, none provided medical education. Consequently, students from the city and its neighbourhood were compelled to travel to Lahore or Calcutta for their studies. Thus, the idea of establishing a hospital dedicated to women and children arose concurrently with the plans to establish the KGMC in Lucknow. Raja Tassaduq Rasul Khan of Jahangirabad first mooted the idea of commemorating the visit of King George V in 1905, (then Prince of Wales) to Lucknow with the establishment of a medical college. He suggested the creation of a branch dedicated to women within the college, as there were certain issues due to the veil system observed by female patients from the 'zenana', paucity of female doctors and staff, as well as dedicated chambers to treat such patients. The hostel for female students was constructed, enabling them to begin their classes at the medical college. However, development of related hospital faced delays. The hospital for women and children was completed in 1932. It was named as 'Queen Mary's Hospital' and brought under the administrative control of the KGMC. The medical college initially was to have been named as 'Prince of Wales Medical College.' In 1906, during his second visit for the Coronation Durbar as King Emperor, his majesty was pleased to give his consent and to designate the medical college by his name, by which it is known even today. PC Sarkar, a former scientist, has authored several books on the forgotten heritage of Lucknow...