M A I L B A G

Ban on eye camps: right decision

This refers to the report “Ban on eye camps in open (Feb 24)”. The Union Government has finally taken a right decision that it should have taken long back. It is practically not possible to maintain operation theatre-like sterile conditions in schools and dharamshalas. Hence chances of acquiring infections during operations are quite high.

Now where NGOs do not have a proper OT or where district hospitals are far away, the operations can be done in mobile OTs and that too in a limited number per day in order to maintain strict aseptic conditions after each surgery.

Emphasis should be given on post-operative care and proper medication. The attendants should be educated so that they can help the patients recover completely. Most infections takes place after the operation only due to lack of knowledge and ignorance.

NGOs should continue their endeavour to eradicate treatable blindness in a steady manner. They should not arrange mass camps and subsequent mass operations because surgeons cannot do justice to every patient if there is a rush of patients waiting for their turn.

Dr PAWAN DVIWEDI, Sujanpur

Operation clean-up

The recent rise in cases of viral fever and reporting of plague cases in the northern region indicate that we are sitting on a virtual time-bomb and on the brink of a medical disaster. With such a filth and waste lying in every street all over the country and very dirty surroundings, it is only God who is saving us.

It is high time that keeping our surroundings clean should be made mandatory for all citizens and exemplary punishment given to the defaulters. An ordinance should be promulgated for this and anybody throwing waste material or filth around should be fined. All waste material and garbage should be disposed of by observing an operation clean-up on a war-footing.

We do not lack in manpower and also in foodgrains. Instead of rodents eating our foodgrains and spreading plague, we can hire a one million strong army under the food-for-work programme. Over all, this programme will make a healthy and prosperous India.

Dr A.K. KAPOOR, Baddi

Postal services

Apropos of Mr Dinesh Gupta’s letter (Feb 24), of all the departments in public service if I have to rank, I would rank the postal services at the top followed by banks. No number three! Arguably the services of postal department are comparable to anywhere in the world, rather better when we compare the technology they use in India vs computerised systems in the developed world.

In my entire life in India and outside India, I have never lost a letter. I have been cheated by my doctors, vets, policemen, teachers (in India and abroad). You know the dark side of the story about our schools, courts, secretariats, train stations, taxi drivers. The only guys I can trust are the employees of the postal department and banks. I have great respect for my daakia. Keep up the good work, guys.

Dr TEJINDER PAL SHARMA, Canada

Water crisis in Kasauli

Recently, people blocked traffic at Kasauli and showed their anger against the Cantonment Board authorities for the erratic water supply in the town. It appears the authorities have made no efforts to augment the water supply since its inception, though demand has increased manifold.

In the recent years there has been massive construction in and around Kasauli and the most accessible water source is the Cantonment Board water supply. A large number of unauthorised water connections have been given by the Cantonment Board and MES authorities to influential persons at Kasauli, Sanawar, Masovra and even beyond, which has severely affected the routine water supply to local authorised consumers.

I suggest the Cantonment Board, MES and Himachal IPH department authorities should work jointly to tap rainwater. Kasauli has heavy rain during the monsoon and even in winter. There is also occasional snowfall at Kasauli. This naturally available water source needs proper harnessing.

RASHMI JOTSHI SHAROTRI, Kasauli

NRIs & corruption

It is heartening to see that the people of Punjab have voted out a corrupt government. We Indians have paid very dearly for corruption. Many technocrats, professionals and others who could not cope with this corrupt system just migrated to other countries. These countries have benefited from their expertise at the cost of their country of birth. If ever any of these professional wanted to come back with an intention to do something for their country of birth, it is the corrupt officials who raise obstacles. The people of Indian origin, if ever invested in India, their investments were lost. The properties they bought were taken away by others illegally.

SWARN PAL SINGH BAMRA, by e-mail