In the preindustrial period, most people could not afford the services of a qualified physician because medical care was very expensive and most people were poor. In addition, there were very few qualified physicians available, and those that were available often lived in cities or other areas that were inaccessible to rural populations. The lack of effective transportation and communication systems also made it difficult for people to access medical care. Furthermore, medical knowledge and technology were not as advanced as they are today, so many illnesses and injuries were difficult to treat or cure. As a result, people often relied on home remedies and traditional healers rather than seeking medical treatment from a qualified physician.