Page 18 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (IV)_Neat

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SOCIAL SERVICES

PUBLIC HEALTH

(By Dr. R. H. B. Snow, Stale Medical Officer)

INTRODUCTION
It has always seemed a pity that the medical department, now so firmly established and of
such proved value, should not be run more by the people of the country ; but there are few forthcoming
signs of it yet. Every year there is expansion, a wider influence, and appreciative response from the
people concerned, but all the time this has to be supported by an increase of key staff from outside
Bahrain. There is little concern felt for the real need for Arab doctors and trained nurses who should
be drawn from the best families in the island. Expense and the long training involved seem to
mitigate against taking up a doctor’s career while socially the nursing element is still considered too
demeaning and exacting a life.
Surprising as it is, many countries in the past, especially England, have also adopted the same
dispassionate attitude towards a profession which is able to bestow the most vital benefits for main­
taining and saving life. Centuries ago, it was considered a social stigma to be connected with such
work which was usually relegated to the poorer classes to carry out. It was during the last hundred
years that the outlook changed when it was realised what terrible distress prevailed. With the advent
of a few outstanding medical pioneers of international repute, the advance of science and the great
stimulus given to nursing as a skilled profession, a transformation took place. The results speak for
themselves. Doctors and public health experts backed by a highly trained nursing staff drawn from
all classes, and aided by an ever-widening knowledge from research, have assumed an influence in
this century which is felt in every home in England. The stimulus however, largely came from a few
high minded people who were determined to change the old order of squalor, dirt and disease, and to
produce an environment where the poorest patient would be given the best attention.

All over the world this new spirit is being felt, yet many countries, including Bahrain, are
apathetic in bringing this about themselves. They adopt a wishful attitude of agreement to its
benefits but disinterestedness over its creation ; so at present, it is being left to foreigners, to people
outside the country, to promote these ideas. One hoped when the hospital was launched eight years
ago that slowly outside staff could be replaced with indigenous trained staff. The male side still shows
promise of this but only a small nucleus of long-standing trained dressers and one nurse has so far
been formed. The women’s hospital have a few dressers under training who are jewesses, and one
undergoing full training in Baghdad. The vital key staff of superintending sisters and staff nurses
are drawn from England, India and elsewhere. No potential doctors from the Arab world are enlisting.
It is regretable but a fact to be faced that this outlook shows no promise of changing for some
time to come. A sense of vocation, a special enthusiasm with that desire to be in the forefront in
alleviating distress is lacking. The stigma remains as it used to remain in other lands. The asso­
ciation of such work with things repugnant to the eye seems to outweigh that special enthusiasm for
curing or preventing disease, or compassion and pity for the destitute ; yet in the middle ages there
were eminent doctors from these parts, notably Baghdad, who set a high standard of medicine.

To anyone from Bahrain wishing to embark on a medical career as a doctor or a nurse the
advantages are overwhelmingly in their favour. After training they can join a department well
equipped with all necessities and the latest drugs and appliances. The patients are responsive and very
easy to handle. It has always been a source of wonder how quiet, submissive and unquestioning they
are.

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