Page 21 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (IV)_Neat

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Medical—There were no outstanding landmarks except for Pneumonia which was of an
unusually toxic nature, presenting many cases of delayed resolution and longstanding weakness.
Patients took a long time recuperating. A total number of 63 were treated with 5 deaths.
Several enteric cases were treated successfully.

Ophthalmic—Trichiasis was the most popular operation, and many come from all parts of
Hassa for this. There were 218 done, and the elimination of dressings for this operation is being
tried out.
The iridectomy is always a necessary remedy. About one third are carried out for Glaucoma
when a wide iridectomy is the rule. The greater number are done for central leucomata consisting
of narrow upper iridectomies. The hook is often resorted to for advanced synechiai (iris bomb£).
This method of delivering the iris for the iridectomy incision is of great value.

The Nursing Home—This is the close of its third year, the total annual number being 108.
It is being used less by ships and more by the various departments and business firms of Manama.
Also by the Qatar Oil Company, the R.A.F. and Royal Navy.

The most serious maladies were three very toxic enteric patients who came in together from
one ship. Infection was contracted in Africa, and their condition was well advanced with high
delirium by the time they reached Bahrain. Fortunately all were discharged after two to three
months. Two grossly complicated appendices were saved by operation; one appendix completely
ruptured and lying loose, the other a sub-acute abscess with a large csecal perforation. A very
severe abduction fracture dislocation of ankle was set, plastered, and sent to London for the remainder
of his six months' treatment.
The more unusual conditions were—a pernicious anaemia, Thryotoxicosis, a ruptured Tendo
Achilles, and a sub-phrenic abscess on the left side with no aetiology.
The Lunatic Asylum—This was taken over from the Manama Municipality at the beginning
of the year, and incorporated into the medical department. The buildings were refurnished, an
Indian nurse trained in mental disorders installed, and the general comforts of the inmates were
increased with beds, sheets, blankets, and better food. There is little wanton destruction of the
hospital linen as was feared. Patients are encouraged to be out of their rooms for the greater part
of the day, and to help with the usual daily tasks and gardening. A more cheerful outlook has now
resulted. Gardening interests, rabbits and chickens help to make the environments homely and
cheerful. There are 10 beds available for men and 4 for women. During the year 9 patients were
discharged as possible cures, and 2 sent home improved.

PREDOMINATING MALE OUT-PATIENT DISEASE
(Total—10,262)

Ophthalmia.. 1,926
Respiratory Disease 957
Abscess, Boil and Ulcer 928
Venereal Disease .. 786
Malaria 651
Rheumatism 539
Abdominal Disease.. 467
Worms 449
Injuries 434 i
Piles and Fistula .. 425
Dermatitis .. 3ii
Otitis 2 77
239
Dysentery ..
Asthma 103 !