Katolyk A. Zemstvo Health Care System in Chernihiv Region (1865-1919)

A thesis for a Candidate Degree in Historical sciences by speciality 07.00.01. – the History of Ukraine. National University "Chernihiv Collegium" named after T.G. Shevchenko, Chernihiv, 2021. The topicality of studying the history of formation and development of zemstvo health care system in Chernihiv region is due to the growing interest of the scientific community in studying the activities of zemstvo institutions in the medical field, rethinking the experience of zemstvo medical intelligentsia, and finding the optimal model of local authorities to improve the health care system and organize effective control of epidemic (infectious) diseases. A comprehensive analysis of the process of implementation of zemstvo-medical reform in the Chernihiv province has been conducted for the first time on the basis of a wide range of updated sources and scientific literature with the help of modern methodological approaches. The main stages of reforming the medical sector of Chernihiv province, the characteristics of the interaction of zemstvos and physicians in the opening of medical institutions have been identified. The directions of personnel and financial policy of zemstvo institutions, the level of social and material provision of medical staff have been analysed. The problems of professional training of physicians of Chernihiv province in the second half of XIX - early XX centuries are written about. The participation of zemstvo health care personnel in the work of provincial and county congresses, organization of professional associations, and popularization of medical knowledge among rural residents has been mentioned. The successes and failures of the zemstvos' struggle against the epidemic (infectious) diseases of the First World War and the national liberation movements of 1917-1919 have been clarified. Conclusions on the practical use of the achievements of zemstvo health care system in Chernihiv region in the activities of present-day local authorities and strengthening the local (municipal) health care system have been made. The thesis research has proved the positive role of zemstvo institutions in the implementation of zemstvo health care reform in Chernihiv region and the creation of an effective system of medical care for residents of Chernihiv province. Key words: province, zemstvo, zemstvo medicine, zemstvo assembly, zemstvo hospital, zemstvo doctor, zemstvo paramedic, epidemic diseases.