“Dignos de una mirada justa y compasiva …”: la atención médica a los militares republicanos en la provincia del Cauca durante las guerras de Independencia, 1820-1822

This paper examines the limited scope of mass medical care and military hospitals on the Republican side in the province of Cauca during the final phase of the independence struggle, between 1820 and 1822, an area where the political and military conflict reached extreme intensity and where one of the largest armies in South America was mobilized. Medical services in this region of southwestern New Granada were truly critical and tested the fragile state in formation. These deficiencies, coupled with other factors such as incessant desertion, help explain the weaknesses of the troops and the difficulties in conquering the territories located south of Popayán. Ultimately, several wounded and sick soldiers were not adequately cared for, nor were they compensated for their sacrifices in accordance with the promises offered by the Republican leaders. But, despite everything, it must be acknowledged that the combined efforts of the government and extraordinary support measures within the framework of the militarization of hospital management contributed to the ultimate triumph of the independence project.