Count Eduardo Prates's behavior was very much progressive when it comes to medical assistance. His orientation showed great concern in dealing with the health of his workers. He was a pioneer in this sense. Being the patriarchal authority, he tried to solve the worst cases, even providing hospitalization in the capital.

This attitude helped to prevent eventual quarrels because by treating each isolated case the owner showed his protection and care towards all the workers.

In 1898 there was already a doctor visiting the workers and being paid by them. In 1903 a Medical Society was established at Santa Gertrudes farm whose members would have the right to consultations done by the farm's doctor, as long as they paid a monthly contribution proportional to the number of coffee plants the worked took care of. From 1912 onwards, all workers had to be part of this society. The doctor started then to come periodically. Outside the normal visiting days, a high fee would be charged for the doctor to come to the farm. Other times the sick person would be transported to town and the price of the consultation could reach up to Rs 50$000 (Fifty thousand reis), depending on the gravity of the case.

Members of the society had no right to medicine. These were purchased in pharmacies: in the farm's own, in Santa Gertrudes Village, in Cordeiro Village or in Rio Claro; if the worker had no money the farm would pay and them this would be discounted.