Protect patients from dubious surgeries
In an unprecedented surprise, in the morning we woke up to the news of a major hospital fraud in Goa, which the banker from Jamshedpur had to encounter, for no fault of his. Doctors do take an oath that they will maintain utmost respect for human lives from the time of conception. However, the latest flare up pertaining to the banker’s appendix not removed after the dubious operation, is a major jolt to everyone. Surprisingly, he had to also pay a huge amount for the dubious operation, wherein no work was done. In such a state of despair, the banker had to conduct the surgery once again in his native place. Where have the doctors’ ethics disappeared? Who’s responsible for all this mess?
Obviously, it’s the victim who has to undergo the trauma of financial loss and breach of trust. Consequently, this vivid picture can also impact medical tourism in the state. Moreover, doctors are considered as beacons of hope for the patients, but in the light of such type of incident, what kind of impetus can be expected? However, it’s also a fact that it doesn’t imply upon everyone, but just one rotten fruit tarnishes the image to a greater extent.
Eventually, it’s a great move by the Consumer Redressal Commission in Goa to render justice to the said victim.
Joseph Savio Desouza, Rajasthan
We are seeing zero tolerance to dissent
This is with reference to Jose Maria Miranda’s article, ‘Freedom of expression is in a perilous state in our country’
(O Heraldo October 12, 2023). What is the link between following four recent incidents?
1) Ravish Kumar had to resign from NDTV. 2) Amartya Sen had been dragged into a dispute over a small piece of land of his ancestral home in Santiniketan. 3) Online news portal NewsClick editor, Prabir Purkayastha and its HR head Amit Chakraborty have been slapped with UAPA and
4) Arundhati Roy and SS Hussain are to be prosecuted under the anti-terrorism law for their speeches which were delivered 13 years ago in 2010 in a seminar in New Delhi.
Dissent which is regarded as lifeblood of democracy, is being treated with zero tolerance.
Sujit De, Kolkata
Spotlight on disparity in gender pay
In a world where economic history has long been chronicled through a male lens, this year’s Nobel Prize winner for Economics Claudia Goldin has effectively broken that trend to become only the third woman since 1969, to win the prestigious award for her decades of work, studying the gender pay gap. No wonder, she has efficiently turned the spotlight on women’s economic roles and challenges. Her findings reveal the complexities of wage disparities, emphasizing issues that women face after childbirth.
Goldin’s research doesn’t just attribute the gender pay gap to employer discrimination, instead, her insights advocate for the establishment of a robust support system. Her findings suggest strengthening child care facilities, improving parental leave policies, offering flexibility and bolstering policies for women at the workplace, as in the absence of such supports women are bound to keep earning less than men after they become parents. Goldin’s Nobel recognition isn’t merely an honour for her achievement, but it serves as a beacon for women in economics and academia as a whole.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Allow eatables in Ravindra Bhavans
In what should have been a routine task, it took the state government three long years to revive the canteen facility at the Ravindra Bhavan in Margao. After it was shut down during the Covid-19 pandemic the refurbished canteen was finally inaugurated on Wednesday. Just reopening a canteen can in no way be considered a great achievement especially when citizens had to suffer for a long period due to the absence of an eatery at this centre of entertainment. It is learnt that there was a delay since the institution had to comply with certain FDA norms.
It is pertinent to note that no eatables and water bottles are allowed in the auditorium during the show, while multiplexes allow eatables, including popcorn and water bottles as well as soft drinks in paper cups. It would be in the fitness of things for the authorities concerned to allow eatables and water/soft drink plastic bottles in the auditoriums of all Ravindra Bhavans in the state.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Evacuating Indians from Israel
It’s gratifying that the Ministry of External Affairs has set up a round-the-clock control room amidst the ongoing Israel-Palestinian war. The control room will monitor the situation, offering information and assistance as needed. The Indian embassy has also set up a 24-hour emergency helpline. Later, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar launched Operation Ajay to bring back Indians from Israel. Nepal, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are also preparing to evacuate their nationals.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
