The recent spate of our elected politicians suffering from chronic health problems is surely some food for thought. A few days of unexpected illness is understandable but elected members with chronic illnesses sticking to their posts and feigning governance is tantamount to taking the people for a ride. In any organisation if a person is indisposed for more than a few days he is sent on unpaid leave and his post is filled by someone who can compensate for his absence so that the work does not suffer. However, here we have some very important portfolios which are headed by people who are physically unfit. Is it correct on their part to continue in their posts? Is it correct on their part to be treated at the cost of public funds – if this is the case? Should they be paid their salaries for the period during which they have not been able to attend their offices? These are some of the questions that are constantly being discussed by the public amongst themselves.
Looking at the poor health conditions of many of our politicians, it is time that every applicant for a ticket to any political post in future should undergo a pre-election medical check-up. In case he or she is not medically fit to a certain bench mark, they should not be awarded a ticket to stand for any election. All politicians, after getting elected should be compulsorily covered under a Medical Insurance policy at their own cost so that they do not become a burden to the public. After all if an applicant for the post of peon or a clerk can be made to undergo such fitness tests why should public servants be exempted?
It was the late President Kennedy who said “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” The mind, body and the spirit make a whole. No part can function at its best on its own. “The part can never be well unless the whole is well” said Plato. A few months ago, a British MP offered to resign his post as he was late by a few minutes to attend a Parliamentary session where he was expected to respond to some questions. We have politicians who are habitually absent and yet have no sign of remorse.
We can see vibrancy in some of the world’s advanced countries where the leadership is youthful and healthy. Canada, France, Russia and Croatia are some of the living examples of today’s youthful faces in public life. Time we emulate the example of these countries.
