Modern medicine (NHS, antibiotics, vaccinations) (medicine through time) Flashcards
Why was the NHS created?
• Before 1948, healthcare was expensive and not accessible to all.
• The Beveridge Report (1942) recommended free healthcare for all.
• Introduced by Aneurin Bevan, Minister of Health.
• Aimed to provide free medical treatment, hospitals, GPs, dentists, and prescriptions.
What were the effects of the NHS?
• Improved public health by making healthcare accessible to all.
• Increased life expectancy and reduced deaths from disease.
• More demand led to longer waiting times and higher costs for the government.
How did Fleming discover penicillin?
• In 1928, Alexander Fleming noticed that mould killed bacteria.
• Identified the mould as Penicillium, which became penicillin.
• Could kill harmful bacteria and treat infections.
How was penicillin turned into a usable drug?
• Howard Florey and Ernst Chain (1939) developed ways to mass-produce it.
• World War II increased demand, leading to funding from the US and UK governments.
• By 1945, penicillin was widely available and saved millions of lives.
How did antibiotics change medicine?
• Revolutionized treatment of bacterial infections.
• Reduced deaths from infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
• Led to antibiotic resistance due to overuse.
How did Edward Jenner create the first vaccine?
• Observed that milkmaids with cowpox did not catch smallpox.
• In 1796, tested his theory by injecting cowpox into a boy, who became immune.
• Led to the development of vaccination.
How have vaccinations helped global health?
• Eradicated smallpox (declared eradicated in 1980).
• Mass vaccination programs control diseases like polio, measles, and COVID-19.
• Herd immunity protects entire populations.
How did the discovery of DNA impact medicine?
• Watson and Crick (1953) discovered the structure of DNA.
• Allowed for genetic research, gene therapy, and the Human Genome Project (2003).
• Helped develop targeted treatments for genetic disorders and cancers.
