Avances del Cesor (Dec 2016)
Poliomyelitis, rehabilitation and other care-related issues: health visitors, nurses and volunteers
Abstract
This article explores the rise of a first framework of concepts, actions and social-health related services to give answer to the poliomyelitis paying attention to the relationships between the private philanthropy and the medical corporation, in the Buenos Aires city during the first half of the 20th century. Through the analysis of the various forms of charity and assistance provided by the Charitable Society and the Fight against Infantile Paralysis Association, it seeks o contribute in the rethinking of some aspects of the relationships between charity and assistance, voluntary work and professional work. In addition, it analyzes the role played by health visitors, nurses and volunteers in materializing the different forms of medical assistance and in providing care, physical and emotional welfare to sick children. This article concludes by pointing out the relevant, although less evident, role of health “assistants” and specialized “volunteers”, not only in solving out the health emergency but also as necessary predecessors for the subsequent incorporation of other women to the rehabilitation health field through paid occupations that gradually became professional jobs.
