Page 170 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat

J8
Public Health
by Dr. I. Davenport Jones State Medical Officer.
THE VILLAGE DISPENSARIES.
During the past year, the work of the village dispensaries has continued, and
a small clinic was established at the Naim dispensary (formerly used as a women’s
dispensary) to serve until the new hospital is completed : although primarily intended
for the police, the public were admitted as in-patients and out-patients:—
Number of
Number of Number of
Minor
General Dispensary Out-Patients In-Patients Operations
Naim for last half year only 7,411 103 72
Muharraq 7,109 397
Suk-Al-Khamis 11,216 40
Hedd 6,156 34
Women’s Dispensary O.P.S. l.P.S. Visits Deliveries
Manama 4,836 34 350 56
Muharraq 7,616 13 38 79
In addition to the work at this clinio, the doctor at Suk-Al-Khamis has visited
weekly the village of Budaya, Karzakan, Sitra and Rafaa.
The figures show a considerable increase, over those of last year and indicate
that the public are learning to appreciate the value of this service. The standard of
work in the dispensaries varies a good deal, but they fill a very definite need in the
island.
The dispensaries are however, poorly housed and ill-equipped, and it is hoped
that it will be possible t-o remedy this deficiency during the next year, especially as
the value of these clinics will he enhanced with the opening of the hospital, which
will enable the officers in charge to send patients in for investigation and treatment,
not at present, available.
Public Health

1. As no census is taken and there is no system of registration of births and
deaths in Bahrain, it is impossible to give any detailed statistical information about
the health of the people. None the less, certain general remarks may be made about
the more important diseases, occuring in the island, judging from an examination of
a considerable number of patients, and from the attendances at the government
dispensaries. !
Malaria. This disease, the most important to be considered,is present
throughout the island. Attendances at the clinics indicate that approx : 20% of
patients are diagnosed as suffering from Malaria. The amount varies considerably
according to the district. Details of the investigation carried out by Major Afridi
I.M.S. and his staff recently are discussed under separate heading.
Diseases of the Eye. These conditions constitute 15% of cases attending
for treatment at the dispensaries. The vast majority of these cases arc trachomatous
in origin and are frequently in very advanced state before the patient appears for
treatment. Cataract and other diseases of the eye are quite common, but their
treatment is frequently complicated by co-existing trachoma.
Very severe forms of ophthalmia are frequently seen among the children,
many of whom are blinded for life as a result; such cases are nearly always
preventable and are due to lack of proper attention at birth, dirt, neglect and
ignorance.