Physicians and pharmacists in Puerto Rico during the Wars of Independence, 1810-1830.

At the beginning of the 19th Century, there was a "chronic lack of physicians, medications, and hospital facilities, easily overwhelmed epidemics" in Puerto Rico. But, the arrival of newcomers from various parts of the world to the Island contributed to socio-economic development and the improvement of health conditions and health care. The Wars of Independence throughout Spanish American colonies (1808-1826), resulted in population movements into the Island, particularly from Tierra Firme (Venezuela), as well as from Spain (1808-1814). In 30 years the population doubled. Puerto Rico had 44 physicians, 13 pharmacists, and 45 "curanderos" or "healers"; the municipality of Ponce had 6 physicians and 2 pharmacists. The progress made by the southern society was remarkable. Those arriving from Venezuela were at the time the most benefited of the Spanish emigrants. They were educated people mastering languages, commerce, agriculture, science and medicine. This, in turn, stimulated progress, and economic and social wellbeing in Puerto Rico.