The article deals with the basic issues of formation and development of the sanatorium system in health care. Special attention is focused on the Talginskysourcethat played a special role in the republic and after numerous expeditions and surveys in the 1920-1930s was of all-Union importance.

The article is based on the documentary sources and specialized literature; it deals with the issues of organization and development of the sanitary service in Dagestan in 1920-1930s. The author pays special attention to the issue of treatment for infectious diseases, especially malaria. A special role of the Dagestan Tropical University, opened in 1928, is noted in the process of infectious diseases treatment.