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MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
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EARLY TIMES
THE GROWTH OF MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IS A RECENT PHENOMENON. In the country the ayurvedic system of medicine considered as an integral part of the Indian culture and civilisation was predominant through centuries. The details found regarding this system of medicine in religious Sanskrit treatises clearly bring out the thorough knowledge the people had regarding this system of medicine. It was based on the thorough knowledge of medicinal properties of rare herbs and plants.
The vaidyas' knowledge originated from their forefathers and the practical experience they gathered during the course of their practice. The use of minerals in the form of ras or bhasma which was not possible without the sound knowledge of chemistry was not unknown to them. Their diagnosis was based on the reading of pulses (nadi pariksha).
The vaidus also had good knowledge of medicinal properties of herbs and plants. However, their system of diagnosis was based more on symptoms of the disease rather than on the physical check up of the concerned patient. They moved from place to place and in the absence of specialised veterinary practitioners occasionally treated live-stock also.
However, with the advent of the Muslims on the Indian sub-continent and their rule during the mediaeval period, the system of medicine existing in Arabia and other neighbouring countries known as the unani system of medicine also made inroads into the country. It was mostly practised by hakims and maulavis. With the establishment of the Nizams at Hyderabad in the first quarter of the 18th century they found patronage in that state and the other neighbouring districts.
In spite of the prevalence of these systems of medicine, the disease was attributed to an outside evil influence rather than considering the same as a physical disorder. This position changed with the spread of western education and emergence of health consciousness roused due to the strides made in the field of scientific research.
In the absence of specialised knowledge of gynaecology and obstetrics, the practical experience of suinis and of elderly ladies in a family proved of immense help. They also used to treat minor ailments with small stock of medicine that they always maintained.
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