[The first three hospitals in Oaxaca City, Mexico]

Area of Science:

• History of Medicine
• Colonial Healthcare Systems

Context:

• Oaxaca City's early colonial period
• Influence of the Catholic Church on healthcare
• Establishment of the first hospitals

Purpose:

• To document the establishment and operation of the first hospitals in Oaxaca City.
• To explore the socio-economic and religious factors influencing early healthcare.
• To understand the treatment modalities used in colonial-era hospitals.

Summary:

• The initial hospitals in Oaxaca City, including San Cosme and San Damián, Santa Caterina, and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, were established during the colonial era and operated under the auspices of the Catholic Church.
• These institutions served the sick, poor, and homeless, employing spiritual practices and natural remedies (vegetal, animal, and mineral products) for treatment.
• Factors such as financial difficulties, political instability, and the decline of religious orders led to their closure by the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Impact:

• Provides insight into the foundational period of healthcare in Oaxaca City.
• Highlights the significant role of religious institutions in early medical care.
• Illustrates the challenges faced by early hospitals, leading to their eventual demise.