Mongolia - Health Services
Report from Mongolia, part I
From its earliest days, the Mongolian People's Republic has paid great attention to health. Indeed, the creation and development of public health services providing everyone with readily available, free medical care has been one of the greatest achievements of socialism on Mongolian soil.
For photo reports on health services in Mongolia, Didier Henrioud travelled throughout the country in 1976 and in 1981 . He visited health services at regional, district and village levels, photographing the first Maternity Home, kindergartens, a dairy products factory and an old people's home in Ulan Bator.
Photographer: Didier Henrioud
Dates: 1976-1981
Copyright: WHO
A land of infinite variety and climatic extremes, Mongolia has since time immemorial been the home of skilled herdsmen and their sturdy livestock.
The rural population chose a nomadic pattern of life centred around the yurt, or tent house, which can be carried on the backs of two camels or erected in 20 minutes.
A midwife from the Second Maternity Home in Ulan Bator, the Mongolian capital, calls at a yurt to check that mother and baby are doing well.
Mother and child health care occupies a place of particular importance in the health service in Mongolia.
A network of maternity homes and delivery centres has been set up and advice on mother and infant care, infant feeding, creches and nurseries is available all over the country.
Mothers and their babies usually stay for eight days after the birth at the spick-and-span Maternity Home in Ulan Bator.
Maternity Home in Ulan Bator. Incubator for premature or underweight babies.
Maternity Home in Ulan Bator. A mother and her child in consultation.
Children's health has high priority. Youngsters in a kindergarten where working parents may leave them for the day.