Report of the Chief Medical Officer / Barbados.

  • Barbados. Department of Medical Services.
Date:
[1944]
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: Report of the Chief Medical Officer / Barbados. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    15/26 (page 13)
    (c) HOUSING 66. The Housing Board continued to function during the year, but owing to war conditions the scarcity of building materials coupled with high prices, have considerably restricted activities of the Board. 67. A housing Committee was appointed on the 12th April 1943, by His Excellency the Governor with the following terms of reference:— “To submit recommendations for the general improvement of housing and domestic sanitation in Barbados, including proposals for assistance under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act.” 68. The Committee met under the Chairmanship of the Honour¬ able the Colonial Secretary and reported in August, 1944. The Report is of a very comprehensive nature, and its findings and recommenda¬ tions have already been published. The Report is receiving the atten¬ tion of Government. (d) FOOD IN RELATION TO HEALTH 69. During the year there has been some scarcity of meat and fresh fish which, with the rising cost of living, has lead to some diffi¬ culty in maintaining satisfactory diet-levels. Citrus fruit, tomatoes, &c. have not been plentiful. 70. The rationing of rice has resulted in an equitable distribu¬ tion of this staple commodity. The control of prices and subsidisation have kept many staple foods within the purchasing power of the poor classes. The Grow More Food Campaign has also proved of great benefit in maintaining a local supply of ground provisions. These schemes have materially assisted in maintaining the diet levels of the community. 71. I regret to have to draw attention to the unsatisfactory types of latrines at the Public Market. These latrines are a disgrace and should be demolished. 72. The usual inspections of foods and pickled meats, as well as bake-shops, have been carried out. (e) GENERAL SANITATION 73. The usual standard of Sanitation has been maintained, and the usual mosquito control work has been carried out. 74. The Staff of Inspectors of the General Board of Health con¬ tinues to do useful work, and their reports keep the Chief Medical Officer in touch wdth the detailed work of Sanitation in the several parishes. PART V. TRAINING OF HEALTH PERSONNEL 75. During the year 1943-44 lack of staff prevented the usual courses of lectures and demonstrations being given, but it is hoped that conditions will soon permit of the resumption of the usual lecture courses and demonstrations to Sanitary Inspectors. F. N. GRANNUM, Acting Chief Medical Officer.