Activities of the institute of gubernatorial power to coordinate measures to combat the epidemicof syphilis and leprosy among the population of the northern outskirts of EasternSiberia in the 19th century

Abstract

This study examines the functions of governors general, governors and heads of regions in coordinating measures and activities to develop medical care for the indigenous population of the northeastern districts of Eastern Siberia, who suffered from syphilis and leprosy that spread in the 19th century. A study of regulations, reports, telegrams, petitions, lectures, dispatches, orders, statements, instructions, correspondence of officials showed that the interaction between the administration of the Governor General, regional commanders, civil governors, district administration, medical boards and the Order of public charity was devoted to issues financing the organization of hospitals, drug supply, medical trips to the districts, wages and benefits for medical officials. The availability of medical care to the population of remote districts, associated with a shortage of personnel, difficulties in supplying medicines, pharmaceutical supplies, hospital supplies and food for patients, remained at a low level. Decisive and effective actions by the authorities were needed to preserve and increase the human resource in underdeveloped territories — one of the main wealth of the state. The article presents facts of the practical participation of governors general, governors of the Irkutsk province, chiefs (civil governors) of the Yakut region of Siberian (1803–1822), East Siberian (1822–1887), and then Irkutsk (1887–1917) governor generals in the decision issues of organizing medical care for the population of the northern districts. Historical facts indicate the implementation of state policy in matters of preserving the people of the outlying territories of Russia, the need to provide medical care to the population in hospital conditions. The study is based on archival sources of a record-keeping nature, available legislative acts and epistolary literature.