Sanitary conditions of towns of Yenisei Province in the late 19th and early 20th centuries

Unfavorable sanitation and epidemiological environment in the towns of Yenisei Province had a direct impact on the demographic situation and provoked a natural population decline. Massive influx of population, people's increase and overcrowding contributed to the growth of infectious diseases. Typical town hospitals of that time were small, did not have all necessary conveniences and lacked special equipment. There was severe shortage of doctors and medical assistants. According to the rules of town councils in the towns near the Yenisei, a schedule of sanitary and phytosanitary measures, keeping streets and houses, garbage disposition, etc. was established. At the beginning of the 20th century, sanitary measures were carried out in cases of infectious diseases in the towns. Anti-epidemic actions were made most actively in the rapidly growing Krasnoyarsk. From time to time, public health doctors had to report on execution of health inspections, disinfection of flats and sick-list statistics. Absence of a plumbing system in the province's center was a rather expensive concern. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, town authorities paid attention to the condition of town ecology. Planting of greenery in town streets was actively implemented. Medical institutions, which were intended for the poorest population, appeared in all district towns of Yenisei Province. Sanitary measures were carried out in cases of outbreaks of infectious diseases in the towns. Lectures for citizens were performed for teaching the population sanitary and phytosanitary standards. Despite the complex of sanitary-hygienic activities conducted in the Yenisei cities, there still were certain shortcomings in the field of sanitation. The local press repeatedly noted that cities needed better sanitary supervision. Sanitary doctors had no opportunity to cover all private homes and public places. As shown, the society of sanitary trustees did not meet the expectations, an effective health authority headed by a sanitary physician was required. The towns lacked qualified and specially trained personnel. Lack of funds restricted the development of health organizations in the province. In general, during the period under study, the sanitary condition of the towns near the Yenisei underwent significant changes. Sanitary environment became better under the influence of modernization processes. Sanitary and phytosanitary measures became part of towns' everyday life. At the same time, innovation was hampered due to insufficient funding and lack of qualified personnel.

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