Paper Details

This paper explores the pivotal role of physicians in shaping public health in ancient India. It examines the evolution of medical practitioners, highlighting key terms like Vaidya and Bhishaj, who transitioned from early healers to highly trained professionals. Classical texts, such as the Charak and Sushruta Samhitas, emphasized that genuine physicians required rigorous theoretical knowledge, clinical experience, and explicit state authorization. To safeguard public health from dangerous quacks, the state strictly regulated medical practice, enforcing severe punishments for unlicensed healers.Furthermore, ancient physicians functioned as vital educators and epidemic managers, establishing healthcare as a profound social responsibility.

Public Health, Ancient India, Physicians, Vaidya, Ayurveda, Quacks, State Regulation