The organisation of the colonial military medical structure in the Lower Sahara: history, development and composition

Abstract

The history of the military health structure in the Algerian Lower Sahara is closely linked to the French colonial period, which began in 1830. From the earliest stages of the conquest of the North, the colonial authorities quickly realised the importance of establishing military hospitals. These establishments not only cared for wounded soldiers, but also played a strategic role in stabilising the health of the region and consolidating colonisation efforts. The health of the troops was seen as a major factor in the success of military operations and the expansion of colonial authority.