Prior to 1928, certain responsibilities of the Pensions and National Health portfolio were carried out by the now-defunct post of Minister of Soldiers' Civil Re-establishment.
After that, the responsibility was divided among the Department of Marines and Fisheries, Agriculture, and Inland Revenue.
The department of Finance and the Commission of Conservation were responsible for addressing tuberculosis, while a National Council of Health operated under the Commission of Conservation for other public health matters.
Over the years, various public organizations, especially women's societies, presented petitions to the Government requesting the creation of the Department.
In 1919, the Department of health was finally created with specific responsibilities and powers assigned to its branches.