Annual report on the Medical Department, Brunei.

  • Brunei. Medical Department.
Date:
[1931]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Annual report on the Medical Department, Brunei. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    5/30 (page 3)
    There is, no doubt, that there is a considerable amount of Tuber¬ culosis in the State and in Brunei Town. In Brunei Town, this is a matter for the Sanitary Board, and it is hoped that the tendency for overcrowding will be stopped in 1932. (3) Dysenteries and Diarrhoea.—One hundred and sixty-four deaths recorded as against 104 last year. This group which must contain at least four major causes is placed under one heading. Most of the cases are from the outstations and were never seen in Brunei Hospital. (4) Malaria.—This includes all deaths certified as from fever and the number is 87 against 102 in 1930. Vaccinations.—There is again an increase in the total numbers and it is hoped that the progress will be maintained. The following are the figures for the past three years:— 1929 1930 1931 Perfect . . 342 413 680 Modified . . 20 180 110 Failed 5 61 78 Not seen . . 55 56 121 Total . . 422 710 989 Venereal Disease There appears to have been no increase in 1931 and the number of infections seen is very small. Gonorrhoea appears to be more prevalent. Yaws A considerable number of cases of this disease have been treated. It is prevalent especially among the various Ulu tribes. It is grati¬ fying that these people are taking to Western medicines. Un¬ fortunately we have no other remedy so speedy and specific as the Arsenical preparation for Yaws. Leprosy One case was admitted from Kuala Belait. He is still here and is improving on treatment with Oil of Wightiana. Helminthic Disease The only two of note are Ascariasis and Ankylostomiasis of these the former is far more prominent. It is the cause of most of the intestinal complaints of children. It is doubtful if improvement will take place before the Malays are instructed in matters of Hygiene and sanitation. Their present system is deplorable but one that has the strength of long usage.