The Evolution of Medicine and Medical Law: From Ancient Civilizations to Modern Uzbekistan

Mukhitdinova Firyuza Abdurashidovna ^1*

This study discusses the intertwined development of medicine and medical law, highlighting Uzbekistan's contributions and modern reforms in healthcare.

Abstract

Background: The development of medicine and medical law has evolved significantly from ancient times to the present, reflecting shifts in societal needs, scientific advancements, and ethical considerations. This review explores the historical progression of these intertwined disciplines, with a particular focus on Uzbekistan, tracing the contributions of key figures like Avicenna and examining modern healthcare reforms. Methods: A historical-analytical approach was employed, analyzing primary sources such as ancient legal codes, medieval medical texts, and Renaissance medical works, alongside secondary scholarly analyses. This method enabled a comprehensive overview of the evolution of medical practices and their corresponding legal frameworks. Results: The study reveals that medical law has consistently developed alongside advancements in medical knowledge, with each era introducing new legal regulations to address emerging challenges. In ancient times, legal codes established basic responsibilities for medical practitioners, while the Middle Ages saw Islamic scholars significantly influence global medicine. The Renaissance and scientific revolution brought about more formalized medical ethics, and modern times have seen the expansion of medical law to encompass issues such as patient rights and data protection. Uzbekistan's recent healthcare reforms, initiated in 2017, further illustrate the continuous evolution of medical law in response to technological advancements and societal needs. Conclusion: The history of medical law demonstrates its critical role in safeguarding public health by adapting to the changing landscape of medicine. The ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan highlight the importance of continually updating legal systems to address contemporary challenges, ensuring that healthcare remains effective, ethical, and accessible.

Keywords: History of Medicine, Medical Law, Avicenna, Uzbekistan, Healthcare Reforms

References

Azimova, Z. R., & Tursunova, F. (2019). Healthcare reform in Uzbekistan: Achievements and challenges. Central Asian Survey, 38(2), 268-286.

Baker, R. (1999). The Codification of Medical Morality: Historical and Philosophical Studies of the Formalization of Western Medical Morality in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries. Springer.

European Union. (2016). General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Retrieved from https://gdpr.eu

Gutas, D. (2001). Avicenna and the Aristotelian Tradition: Introduction to Reading Avicenna's Philosophical Works. Brill.

Hohmann, S. (2010). Health care in Uzbekistan: An overview of health services reforms. International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 25(3), 206-215.

Lederberg, J. (2000). Infectious history. Science, 288(5464), 287-293.

Nunn, J. F. (1996). Ancient Egyptian Medicine. University of Oklahoma Press.

Porter, R. (1997). The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity. W. W. Norton & Company.

Roth, M. T. (1997). Law Collections from Mesopotamia and Asia Minor. Society of Biblical Literature.

Siraisi, N. G. (1990). Medieval & Early Renaissance Medicine: An Introduction to Knowledge and Practice. University of Chicago Press.

Smith, W. D. (1979). The Hippocratic Tradition. Cornell University Press.

Temkin, O. (1991). Galenism: Rise and Decline of a Medical Philosophy. Cornell University Press.

Unschuld, P. U. (1985). Medicine in China: A History of Pharmaceutics. University of California Press.

Vesalius, A. (1543). De humani corporis fabrica. Johannes Oporinus.