Page 324 - Neglected Arabia Vol 2

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Women’s Medical Work in Bahrain
Miss M. N. Tiffany, M.D.
P ERHAPS stories of the individuals I
served will be of i^iorc interest than
statistics and generalities. Our work
takes us literally from hovel to pal­
ace and all grades of dwelling between. The
obstetrical work is one of the most useful ‘
and interesting departments and, of course,
brings us close to the families.
Shereefa, a little Hedu woman, was om­
ul* our first cases in that first memorable
week we began work, when for one week
there was an obstetrical case daily. Two >
worthy Arabs arrived at the hospital and
laconically observed a woman on the other I
island had been in labor live days and they I, i'
wanted the doctor. Aziza, one of the In­
dian nurses, gathered the bags together and
by mission motor we reached the pier. From
du*re we took a small launch to the other island, across a stretch of water i
absolutely clear and varying from blue to green with occasional little silver il.
11vile.'* jumping above the water. The sail boats added a piclnresipie touch
In the scene and, as one looked from the cloudless sky to the low lying I: ■
>ky lines of the towns on the two islands, one felt as though transplanted
m a totally different world than hustling, bustling, colorful America. And IF
truly it is a different world, but one’s reflections finished as we reached if
tin- pier and disembarked. Along the pier the Arabs go up and down to !
and from the boats, one carrying a couple fish, the burden bearers with i.
tlu-ir loads of this and that, small boys with minds intent on play sailboats
„t their own, and gentlemen disdaining to carry anything unless by chance St­
iccasional hunter has his falcon perched on his wrist. A taxi was
all «
piocured and we hurried through little winding streets lined by the walls
uf the houses in which are no windows facing the street, until we reached
tin- edge of Muharrek and rapidly crossed a desert stretch to a little fishing
village and were led to a small courtyard which upon entering proved to
have several rooms .opening from il. 'flic patient was in the best one. Il
had an earth floor covered with straw matting, one small window placed i:
l..'i high to see out of and without glass. ()ue stooped to pass through the
doorway. If is quite true that such a room in America would hardly be
miisidered a suitable chicken house. * •
However, on a thin pallet on the floor lay the patient, a victim of the
ignorant practices of Arab mid-wives, her baby dead and no possible way
,,f delivering it unaided. The girl was unusual in that she had no fear,
hut stated that all was from God and she was in our hands. Aziza gave
her anaesthetic and we did what was required without any interference
11 * 'III the family. Next day Aziza went there and persuaded tin- family