- Published: November 12, 2022
- Updated: November 12, 2022
- University / College: Swansea University
- Level: Doctor of Philosophy
- Language: English
- Downloads: 25
1798- Vaccination against smallpox developed from cowpox is discovered
1787-1872 – Alexandre Louis pioneers in the field of Epidemiology (Mervyn, 1985).
1847 – The American Medical Association is established
1850 – The Epidemiological Society of London is established (Mervyn, 1985).
1870 – The study of Bacteria begins
1948 – The World Health Organization is established
1965: Medicaid and Medicare legislation instituted by US Congress
2011-2012 – Proposals to cut Medicare expenditures introduced by President Obama (Nytimes. com, 2011)
Three Eras of Health Care
The first era/acute care (1750-1950) focused on saving lives from infectious diseases (srph. tamhsc. edu, n. d.). The second era/chronic era (1950-2010) focused on fighting chronic diseases. In the third era (2010 to the future), the focus is put on the provision of health for all (universal health).
Impacts
With developments in the health sector, the world witnessed a major impact in regard to healthcare. While initially, a lot of focus was put on fighting infectious diseases such as cholera, today, the focus has changed to the need for a healthy world population irrespective of social standing.
Changing Definitions
While previously the concept of wellness was dictated by religious beliefs, the medical system, and cultural values, this is not the case today (Rosen, 1993). While certain feelings or pains were considered normal in the past, these are today considered abnormal.
Health-related organizations
The World Health Organization has been at the forefront in trying to ensure that the world’s population is healthy (Rosen, 1993). The establishment of the organization has seen previously marginalized areas receive better health services and the standardization of services and health factors. This essentially has led to the general improvement of the world’s health standards.
