Notes on health policies and hospitals in the Islamic Orient up to the 13 th Century (original) (raw)

When tackling the issue of public health policy in the early centuries of the Islamic Orient, it is by no means anachronistic to refer to modern-day terminology. Indeed, a rational public health policy must consider three objectives: Primary prevention (anticipating emerging risks), Secondary prevention (ensuring healthcare services), and Tertiary prevention (providing for the needs of dependent persons). The ruler must therefore ensure that the population under his authority is kept safe from any potential health dangers; that it can be treated in the event of illness; and that when ill health has left individuals unable to meet their needs, everything possible is done to ensure a decent existence for them. The ruler's duties are very clear: they must respect a code of ethics; comply with the mission of a ruler as defined by the Koran; and reflect the influence of the Sassanid ideal of justice. When you read the Counsel for Kings by al-Ġazālī (d. AD 1111) or the Treatise on Government by Nizām al-Mulūk (d. AD 1092), this convergence becomes very clear 1. As for administrative efficiency, the assimilation of the Byzantine model by the Umayyads in Damas provided a strong framework for an ideology which clearly called for what may be likened to the notion of the Public Weal. When implementing his health policies, the ruler, in keeping with these treatises on good governance, must surround himself with competent advisers. Thus, in book X, chapter V of Metaphysics of the Healing, Avicenna specifies those who, along with the sovereign, constitute the strength of the state; these are the administrators, the expert technicians and the guardians. This tri-partition of the missions is extremely pertinent. Doctors, astrologers 2 and engineers are at the very top of the list of expert technicians. The court physician is the expert technician who advises the sovereign; he is responsible for overseeing the health professions and is required to be a medical writer on any subject which may be of concern to the prince. Most medical treatises were commissioned by the prince; however, the dedicated texts written by these doctors are more than mere acts of allegiance, they are acts of health policy intended to be works of reference in the field of policy and procedures. Medical writers expect the ruler to read their works and take note of their recommendations...