THE HEALTH SYSTEM OF THE FIRST CZECHOSLOVAK REPUBLIC AND ITS ROLE  IN COMBATING CONTAGIOUS DISEASES IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FIRST WORLD WAR (THE 1920s)

Andrej Tóth; Inka Kratochvílová; Lukáš Novotný; Jakub Drábek; Věra Hellerová; Martin Červený; Valérie Tóthová

Andrej Tóth Prague University of Economics and Business
Inka Kratochvílová https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3301-0374
Lukáš Novotný https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1874-7754
Jakub Drábek https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7083-6781
Věra Hellerová https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8409-585X
Martin Červený https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5612-158X
Valérie Tóthová https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7119-8419

Keywords: First Czechoslovak Republic, infectious diseases, medical facilities, laws and government regulations

Abstract

https://doi.org/10.31952/amha.21.1.4

A complex epidemiological situation marked the health system at the time of the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic. Reducing the number of infectious diseases was an essential task of the State Administration of Health. It required new legislation and various steps directed at reducing infectious diseases. Serious infectious diseases, such as scarlet fever, diphtheria, typhoid, dysentery, smallpox, and malaria, were among the most significant health problems in Czechoslovakia. In 1920, Act No. 412 Coll. regarding compulsory smallpox vaccination was issued, as well as government Regulation No. 298, which describes vaccination obligations and stipulated proper isolation of patients with infectious diseases. Other steps that led to improvements included establishing the National Institute of Health and mobile disinfectant units. Conclusion: The systematic development of new legislation contributed to the new Republic’s proficiency at the task and the gradual reduction in the number of infectious diseases.

Author Biographies

Andrej Tóth, Prague University of Economics and Business

Inka Kratochvílová

Lukáš Novotný

Jakub Drábek

Věra Hellerová

Martin Červený

Valérie Tóthová