Letters to the editor: Barefoot doctors
This refers to the editorial Not all or nothing (IE,November 14).
Barefoot doctors
* This refers to the editorial ‘Not all or nothing’ (IE,November 14). It makes a lot of sense for young people to be trained in basic medicine by means of short duration courses. It is well known that rural India is facing a huge shortage of doctors. This is because,compared to its population,India trains very few doctors. And the ones that are trained prefer to work in urban areas. Even persons with basic medical training will be highly effective in treating common causes of mortality,such as diarrhoea. The idea of “barefoot” doctors is reviled by “proper” doctors and medical associations for reasons known only to them. In a situation where rural Indians get minimal medical attention and compulsory rural postings are also objected to,such professionals are
the answer.
— K. Ashok Kumar
Shades of grey
*This refers to the editorial ‘Campa Cola jhuggi’ (IE,November 15). There is no question that the BMC has failed in its executive duty to stall the illegal construction of the flats in the first place. Why only blame the flat owners who got their properties cheap? Let’s not forget they also got them registered and paid stamp duties and property tax. Campa Cola is a case of administrative deceit. A fine can be recovered from the residents,with interest,if need be,but to demolish the structure,25 years after they were built hardly makes sense. Mumbai is full of illegal construction and occupation of land,which is a serious matter. The BMC must act decisively and in a timely manner.
— Ashok Goswami
Mumbai
Loose talk
* This refers to ‘Modi’s latest: “If Madam is ill,let the child take over”’ (IE,November 15). The BJP’s prime ministerial candidate,Narendra Modi,has crossed all bounds of decency. His rhetoric is cheap. His latest speech is sexist,insensitive towards the disabled and generally vulgar. Modi will not become prime minister if he bases all his campaign speeches on maligning the Nehru-Gandhi family. He claims to be a man interested in governance. He should tell the people how he and his party plan to work towards the eradication of corruption,unemployment,hunger and poverty. What is his vision for the next government? Modi needs to show some maturity. He needs to think sensibly and responsibly about what he plans to say in public.
— R.K. Kapoor
Seeming insecure
* This refer to news ‘Rattled Nitish lets nervousness show’ (IE,November 15). The decline of Nitish Kumar is shocking. The man who was responsible for ending the RJD’s sway over Bihar,by coming to power on his electoral planks of development and law and order has lost his confidence. His ideological difference with Modi is welcome and understandable. But he must not lose his nerve and let his prejudice become so obvious. His handling of Modi’s rally was poor,and made him seem petty.
— N. Ramamurthy
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