An analysis of the medical administration pattern of the Yuan Dynasty as interpreted from the Guan yi ti ju si (Department of Official Medical Administration)

Abstract

The Imperial Academy of Medicine of the Yuan Dynasty established an institution called Guan yi ti ju si (Department of Official Medical Administration). Through its central to local network, the Department carried out its medical administration throughout the nation. The responsibilities of Guan yi ti ju si included 5 aspects, viz., the selection of local medical professionals and talents; the dispatch of prison doctors; the examination and administration of local medical workers; the revision and publication of medical works and the inspection and identification of local herbs. Guan yi ti ju si played an important role in medical education and the publication of medical books which were generally considered as the work of Yi xue ti ju si (Department of General Medical Administration ). In terms of administrative pattern, there were two specialties, the government focused its work on the rational allocation and governing of local medical professionals and resources, with medical administration and medical education belonged to two separate systems, which, at the same time, supervised and controlled mutually. These noticeable features of medical administration of the Yuan Dynasty are still revealing its reference value today.