Public Health in Ancient India: A Historical Review

ABSTRACT: Ayurveda is perhaps the oldest medical science of the human civilization which is practised till today in its original form. It is more clearly the science of life as it not only emphasizes on individual health but also taken the health of community as a major concern, the community hygiene, sanitation, good water supply, and drainage system were given great importance right from the age of Indus valley civilization. Many of the public health concepts of today can be understood by the same age old principles and practices of Ayurveda. Public health as a discipline is mainly seen as a part of community medicine. But the classical texts of Ayurveda described public health in a wider dimensions that includes healthy environment, community hygiene, immunization and nutrition. Materials and methods : A systematic review aap scientific literature to compile, critically analyse and draw conclusion on the possible evidence substantiating Public health system of Ancient India. Results: Public health practices, the awareness of hygiene and knowledge of community health was significantly prevalent in ancient India. Many ancient texts of Ayurveda highlighted about infectious diseases and mode of their spread. Discussion: The high level of health status among the prehistoric Indians is a great evidence of the advancement of Community Health approach they had in those days. Many of the travellersvisited India in the ancient days had also recorded the the advanced health practices they witnessed in India.