Infectious diseases the first medical challenge in Iran oil industry

Over the course of history, contagious diseases have caused many fatalities in Iran. The lack or shortage of medical and treatment facilities have contributed to the prevalence and epidemic of these diseases. The geographical location of Iran and the busy borderlines, especially at Maritime boundaries, transmitted these diseases more than ever. During the Qajar period, the efforts of European physicians formed the first healthcare facilities in Iran, and quarantine on the borders was considered as a major solution to dealing with contagious diseases. At the same time, in the oil-rich regions of south, the Iran-British oil company was recognized as responsible for the establishment, maintenance and monitoring of public health and the fight against contagious diseases in the region. Oilfield regions, like other areas, were not safe from the incidence and outbreaks of diseases, and the Iran-British oil company was forced to provide medical services in its operational areas. Among these were the establishment of the first hospital in the region and providing health services in this field. This paper focuses on cholera and plague as infectious diseases in the mentioned period, examining the health and medical status of the early years of the oil exploration operations.