Since ancient times, all human societies have been prone to diseases and illness. Issues relating to birth, old age, sickness and death have occurred time and again. And such developments have forced people to look for medical care options. An insight into the medical care history in India will bring out some interesting developments that have allowed the growth of various forms of medicines like herbalism, ayurveda, unani and others. Medicare India history offers some very pertinent information on all aspects of medical care that prevailed in the previous times in the country.
Archaeologists at the various sites of Indus Valley Civilization have found that people even in that ancient period had knowledge of medicine and dentistry. Charaka and Susruta are known to be the more prominent medicine professional of those times. They are believed to have given an impetus to the growth of the medical care systems in ancient India. Also, from the very ancient times, historical evidences are there to prove that people in India used to rely heavily on the herbal medicines and that used to function wonderfully. Further, most of the kings and emperors used to ensure a fair and effective medical care system for all of their subjects, including the common people in the kingdom.
Ayurveda that is said to be the science and medicine of living had its origin to a period of well over 200 years ago. The mention of ancient systems and schools of medicine and medical care in India can be traced to the times of Vedas and Upanishads. Even in the Buddhist and Jaina religion and traditions, Aurveda as a system of medical care has been discussed. The classics on Ayurveda have talked about internal medicine, surgery including anatomy, pediatrics, eye, ear and throat diseases, toxicology and science of rejuvenation.
Ancinet books like Susrutsamhita composed by Susrut, has discussed various types of surgery and how best to perform them. It has dealt on issues like cataract surgery, remedy for torn ear lobes, several forms of excisions and surgical procedures. At various centers of learning including Taxila University, Nalanda University and others various forms of medicine and medical care were discussed and taught. While the teaching of Ayurveda included discussion on preparation and application of medicines, operative skills, pharmacy, compound the metals and preparation of alkalis and their significance in various forms of medical care. Subjects like obstetrics, physiology, pathology and embryology were some of the popular discipline which was taught in ancient India.
Medical care system in ancient India was probably more precise and less complicated. And an important aspect was that it covered the majority of the population. Since people relied more on natural means of medicinal care instead of going in for the complicated manuals and procedures, medical care was more comprehensive. And above all, the ruling elite felt that provision of the basic medical care to all subjects was the duty of the king, also helped in promoting the concept of enhanced medical coverage to people in ancient India.
