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MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
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EARLY TIMES
CONSCIOUSNESS OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL FACILITIES is admittedly a recent phenomenon, developed after the impact of western education.
The Vaidyas and the Vaidus were the two classes of people who dominated the field of medical profession. Vaidyas used to give treatment according to the ayurvedic system of medicine. Their knowledge represented a combination of what they inherited from their forefathers and the practical experience they acquired in course of their medical practice. The system of diagnosis by Vaidus did not essentially differ from the Ayurvedic system of medicine. However, Vaidus formed a class by themselves. They moved from place to place. Besides, they were supposed to have a thorough knowledge of rare herbs with rich medicinal properties which were antidotes against certain diseases. In the absence of specialised veterinary practitioners, occasionally they also used to treat live-stock.
The modern and up-to-date maternity facilities were conspicuous by their absence. It was very often the practical personal experience of the elderly ladies in the joint families which proved highly useful to the young expectant mothers.
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