Study of the Role of France in the History of Medicine and Health Services of the Qajar Era

In the Qajar era, European countries deployed many doctors accompanied by their military, religious, and political groups to Iran consistent with their political goals and interests. Meanwhile, the role of France was more and more significant than the rest of European countries. This essay aims to introduce French physicians, to express the performance of French physicians in Iran during the Qajar period, to introduce the activities and extent of the influence of French physicians on the medicine of the Qajar period, and to examine the elements that advance the presence of French physicians in Iran during the Qajar era. This research was conducted using library resources and descriptive-analytical method. The findings indicate that the influence of French medicine on the developments of modern medicine in Iran was very significant, to the extent that the modern medicine was based on French physicians in Iran. Overall, the French effects on medicine in Iran can be found in two forms: establishment of the hospital and clinics and the formation of a health council. In addition, French physicians took important steps in the field of medical education such as ophthalmology, surgery, microbiology, vaccination, writing medical books, and quarantine to prevent communicable diseases. Therefore, French physicians, unlike other European countries, which only improved their health status, also evolved in the history of Iranian medicine. Finally it must be said the Qajar community was well-received by French medicine and physicians; Because both the Qajar court and the community were in need of medical care and the French government needed a comprehensive medical presence in Iran to achieve its political and economic goals.