[History of the neuropsychiatric health service in Bosnia-Herzegovina].

During the Turkish rule, there was no organized medical protection of population, and the mentally ill people have been in especially difficult circumstances, since not a single institution has existed before 1640, when in Sinan [symbol: see text]s Tekija in Sarajevo some kind of haven for mental patients was established. More severe cases were sent to the uncertainty of Hospital for Mentally ill in Jedren, deep in the heart of Turkish Empire. Mental patients of Christian religion were treated in churches, monasteries. The Francistiens Order, that has been active in the region since 13th century, was especially involved. After occupying Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austro-Hungarian Monarchy found only "Vakuf Hospital" and Turkish Military Hospital, in 1866. After establishing state Hospital, ex "Vakuf Hospital" was turned into the first Psychiatric institution, which was conducted by Health Counselor, dr Carly Bayer. In 1908, he became the first Head of newly-built Department for mentally ill persons within the State Hospital. By the end of the First World War, there was 113 beds and one doctor in change, Chief of staff dr Egon Zahratka, who was succeeded by dr Salvator Karabaji. In 1947, Neuro-Psychiatric Clinic within the Medical Department of Sarajevo University was established, and its founder and the first Head was prof. dr Nedo Zec. One year later, a Psychiatric Hospital was opened in Jagomir, in vicinity of Sarajevo. Since then neuropsychiatric health services have been constantly expanding, and that is shown in the tables within the paper. Independent development of neurology, psychiatry, psycho-therapy, pharmacological-biological psychiatry and other branches enabled foundation of independent specialized psychiatric and neurological institutions. The expansion of scientific research and educational activities was direct consequence of that. This expansion has been extremely successful during last several decades, that the experts from our Republic were very highly appreciated within the former Yugoslavia, as well as abroad.