Tackling aggression
in pet dogs
It is learnt that owners who keep ferocious dogs will reportedly now have to mandatorily file an affidavit stating that they will take the onus for any untoward incident caused by their pets by way of harm or physical injury to human beings. The notarised affidavit in prescribed format will have to be submitted to the Animal Husbandry Department.
It is said that prevention is better than cure. To take preventive measures of a dog attack is entirely the responsibility of the dog owner. Incidentally it's not just larger dogs and so-called "dangerous breeds" that are prone to aggression. Any breed is capable of becoming aggressive under stressful situations. Aggression in dogs cannot be cured overnight. It requires a lot of time, patience and consistency on the part of the dog owner. If the dog shows aggression toward people or other dogs while out on walks, it should be kept on a leash and should be trained to wear a muzzle.
Alternatively they could be let out within a space that is fenced. Modifying a dog's behavior involves rewarding it for good behavior. Their fear and anxiety needs to be addressed. A good daily routine of exercise, play and social interaction can do a world of good. Verbal and physical corrections do not teach a puppy how to behave. They only teach the puppy to suppress behavior. It is absolutely necessary to avoid the dog's exposure to situations, people, or animals that trigger aggression.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Malacious intentions
stand exposed
Firstly, let it not be said that the advt "tend to hurt the sentiments of Goans". It has deeply hurt us.
Secondly, it clearly exposes the malicious intentions of the non Goan real estate sharks to destroy the peace of Goa and Goans, to plunder and loot Goa and ravage the environment to give holiday homes to the wealthy when millions of Indians have no roof over their heads, no water, no electricity.
Thirdly, the nouveau riche culture of the outsiders, their arrogance and money power with which they bribe anyone and everyone will destroy Goan culture and a despicable example to our children and youth. Finally one cannot forget that all this is happening with the connivance of the powers-that-be who are shamelessly selling Goa for their personal gains.
Mario Rodrigues, Carmona
Last drop of
crocodile tears
The statement from the West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee that she was willing to resign for people’s sake is the last drop of her crocodile tears on the issue of resolving the ongoing crisis for the Kolkata medicos on the KAR hospital brutal rape and murder of a trainee medico. What is she fearing for when the delegation of students wanting to meet her and the same has to be allowed live streaming?
Mamata knows pretty well that she lost the public sympathy on her and the parents from all quarters not only in her state and on pan India basis don’t see her as a credible face. It would be appropriate if a retired Supreme Court Judge sit along with her in the students’ delegation for coming out with a fair resolution, else the only alternative for Mamata is to resign to save the dignity
of CM’s chair.
A P Thiruvadi, Chennai
Big relief to
senior citizens
When all senior citizens were sore with the Modi government at the Centre that they have not come out with any welfare measure of worth for them during their past ten-year rule and were depressed that even the 50 % concession they were enjoying for their train journeys, has been withdrawn by the government, the recent announcement of the Union Cabinet that all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income will be eligible for free health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh on a family basis, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-Jay) has come as a great relief and big boon to them.
Most of the senior citizens and pensioners, including bank retirees who were unable to get health insurance cover, due to the prohibitive cost of the premium with an additional 18% GST on it. What about the case when both the husband and wife are senior citizens? In that case, will it be a floater policy as the cover of Rs 5 lakh is said to be on a family basis?
One only hopes that enrollment into the scheme will be made simple without making it a cumbersome process. Further, all participating hospitals should be instructed to offer immediate cashless treatment for those who are hospitalised under this scheme, treating the policy under AB PM- Jay at par with other health policies of the private players and extend services to the admitted without delay or harassment.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
Early diagnosis critical
for patient safety
Public awareness, education, engagement and understanding go a long way in achieving the World Health Organisation's intended objectives to make every patient feel at home in trying circumstances on World patient safety day on September 17. More than two million deaths, in hospitals of low and middle income countries, are reported annually due to less than adequate safe health care.
One in every ten patient deaths is directly attributed to adverse effects resulting from harmful health care and avoidable practices. Fifty percent of these are preventable and therefore ways have to be found to undertake assured health practices. Improving diagnosis for patient safety-- this year's theme---is definitely one way forward.
Efficient and equitable healthcare, amalgamated into one, with an active patient involvement, could go places. Errors may occur at any point in time; solidifying the system to ensure a flawless healthcare is critical because patient harm is an outcome of mistakes going unnoticed at
various levels.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola