Pharmacies and Healthcare

A concerted effort to improve public health took place during the first half of the 19th century. Vaccinations reduced mortality from infectious diseases, and medical services gradually became more accessible to the poor.

The Loimaa hospital was established in 1893, and to this day continues to operate at the same location. The first pharmacy in the greater Loimaa area was established in 1874. Originally a subsidiary pharmacy, it gained independence as a full pharmacy in 1890.

Pharmacy and medicine were not nearly as tightly regulated as they are today. Addictive or toxic substances were sold quite recklessly—many drugs contained stimulants, opiates, alcohol, or varying mixtures thereof. Such tinctures could be recommended for minor ailments, such as common cold or morning sickness. Mixtures and pills were often locally produced, made from imported of factory-produced ingredients in the pharmacy that sold them.

Caption: The pharmacy of Provisor G. W. Normann in Loimaa market town at the turn of the 20th century.
Photo: Veikko Hulkko Collection.