The Role of the Government in Medieval Medicine

What role did the government play in medicine in the Middle Ages?

Government had the ability to pass laws to improve public health. However, most attempts were made at a local rather than national level therefore limiting what could be achieved.

What are some examples of the government influencing medicine in the Middle Ages?

Here are 3 main examples of the role that the government played:

• ❖ In order to prevent the spread of the Black Death in the mid-1300s, some local councils tried to quarantine infected places.
• ❖ Specialist hospitals were set up, such as St Bartholomew's in 1123 for pregnant women.
• ❖ Towns tried to stop businesses, like butchers, from polluting rivers.