Contribution of Medieval Islam to the Modern Hospital System

Abstract

Development of hospital system during the medieval Islamic period has affected the modern hospital system throughout the globe in multiple ways. It has been precursor in terms of introducing innovative ideas and practices like mobile field hospitals, encouraging medical research through establishing medical schools and universities, laying down foundation for sound hospital administration based on compassion and humane treatment to patients, encouraging employment of female staff, innovative medical facilities and public healthcare system and introduction of medical ethics. These traits make medieval Islamic hospitals as the forerunners of modern hospital system.

Keywords: Hospital, Bimaristan, Al-Nuri Hospital, Al-Mansur Hospital, medieval Islam.