GESUNDHEITSDIENST IN DUBROVNIK UND DALMATIEN IM 19. JAHRHUNDERT

Abstract

Austrian rule in Dubrovnik and Dalmatia in the second half of the 19 th century brought remarkable changes. Despite general poverty three new modern hospitals were built, one in Šibenik (1883), one in Zadar (1887), and one in Dubrovnik (1888). Having become a constitutional province of the Habsburg Monarchy in 1861, Dalmatia got its provin- cial parliament (Congress). Through the Land Committee, the Dalmatian Congress managed and supervised provincial hospitals. Dalmatian hospitals observed regulations issued by Vienna. Hospitals included wards for newborn children and orphans who had their own wet-nurses. When they got stronger they were given to families who raised them until the age of ten, receiving a compensation from the state. After the age of ten, the hospitals were not obliged to take care of the orphans. There were two hos- pitals in Dubrovnik; a civil hospital Domus Christi and a military hospital Collegium Ragusinum. There were also five lazarettos established to prevent several epidemics. Since 1821, Zadar had had a school for midwives. Hospitals, cities and districts had their own licensed doctors and midwives. In 1867, Dalmatian hospitals counted 391 beds; 80 medical doctors, 10 surgeons and 165 midwives. Every district of 6000 inhab- itants had its own doctor and midwife!). Every district had a medical committee headed by a medical doctor. All doctors had their private practice. This kind of organisation of medical services lasted until the end of the Austrian Empire.