Page 244 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat

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As in fcho previous year Malaria was the main cause of ill health of 35.1%
out-patient and in-pationts: ulceration of the legs was the second main cause of
complaint of the out-patients and respiratory and alimentary disease of the in­
patients. Three cases of pulmonary tuberculosis wore treated as in-patients. It is
hoped that in the future, facilities will bo available to segregate advanced cases of
pulmonary tuberculosis from other hospital patients. One case of enteric was
treated in the Police hospital. There were no fatalities among the police this year.

Infant welfare clinic. The weekly clinic for policemen’s children was con­
tinued throughout the year. The women find it as popular a clinic as the children,
and present themselves for treatment. The number of women and children who
attended in 1358 was 1143.
Prisoner*’ health. The doctor from Suk-al-Kbamis pays a weekly visit to the
prisoners at Jeda Island. Any patients who are ill are brought to the mainland to
the police hospital for treatment. Several patients with dysentery were sent in this
year.
5. Malaria.
In order to interest the citizens of Bahrain on the question of Malaria control,
it was decided by the Government to invite prominent citizens to serve on an Anti-
Malaria Committee. The progress of Anti-Malaria work done can best be estimated
by following the work of this committee throughout the latter half of the year.
The first meeting of the Anti-Malaria Committee was held at the Government
Hospital, Manaraah, on 11th July 1939. In view of the prevalence of Malaria
infection in Bahrain (60% school children being infected), particularly in Manamah,
it was decided first to commence anti-malaria operations in Manamah.
(a) Removal of shallow wells breeding mosquitoes. It was
recognised that shallow wells in compounds should be removed and au
alternative water supply provided. Meantime breeding was to be
controlled in wells by putting fish in the wells. A hatchery for fish
was established in the Manamah Municipal garden.
(b) Draining of stagnant water. The committee was informed that
attempts were being made to deal with swamps by means of vertical
drainage.
(c) Irrigation ditches and drains in gardens. These are a prolific
source of mosquito breeding. It was pointed out that all owners
should keep their ditches clean, in good condition and properly graded.
(d^ Anti-Malaria propaganda. The necessity for effective anti-malaria
propaganda among the population was discussed and agreed upon.
(e) Grant of Funds. Funds for expenditure on malaria control were
provided by a special grant under Public Health in the Government
Budget.
The second meeting of the Anti-Malaria Committee was held on September
16, 1939. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
(a) The State Kngineer reported that experiments in vertical drainage of
swamps had received some measure of success. He reported progress
regarding the grouping of artesian wells in Manamah city. As a trial
measure four wells were linked up. The amount of water available
from the four wells when they were linked up was approximately
23,000 gallons an hour., i.e., 552,000 gallons per day. It was decided
by the committee that no dwelling should be more than 600 feet from
a source of water supply and that each terminal should be provided
with wash houses, each with 6 taps for men and women.