M A I L B A G

History is not going to forgive them

Contrary to the general perception and irrespective of the claims by most of the political parties, it is proved beyond doubt that though the people of India in general are secular in their approach, all of our political parties are communal in one way or the other. Otherwise how could the carnage of 1984 under the very nose of the Central Government, the mayhem of 1992 in Mumbai and the riots of 2002 in Gujarat take place? Irony is that the respective governments, instead of feeling guilty, put forward the theory of Newton’s third law and the law of nature that when a big tree falls earth trembles. In place of helping the victims, they fan communal feelings by going public and blaming each other in a very undesirable and irresponsible manner.

The Shah Bano case shows an inclination towards a community, then “tilak taraju our talwar, inko maaro jutey chaar” is also a pointer toward something. December 1992, does has its own implications but then Mandalisation of society cannot be termed as secular.

It’s high time that the people understand their game plan and refuse to fall in their trap. After half a century of democracy, political parties ought to show some sense of maturity and responsibility. In place of communalising politics for their own petty interest, it’s time for them to concentrate on development and upliftment of the masses in the best interest of the nation. Otherwise history is not going to forgive them.

SWATANTRA MARWAH, Panchkula

PGI brain drain

It is indeed a sad state of affairs. I was a faculty member at the PGI myself a few years ago and resigned. What has prompted me towrite this is the resignation of Dr Murlitharan, Associate Professor in Endocrinology. I may not be knowing many in the faculty in the PGI, but I sure know Murli (as we called him). I think it is an honour for the PGI that doctors such as Dr Murlitharan worked there. He is a man of professional conduct. He was always nice to his patients. If there is one who deserves promotion on merit, it is Murli.

The PGI is plagued by many factors that have started the brain-drain. As no one is looking into this, I am afraid, this would continue. I think the most important factor is the income disparity between the private and public sectors. No matter how good a doctor you are, you need some money to live a comfortable life. The “comfort zone” is a relative term. I understand recently there was some pay raise. The government should consider raising it periodically.

The second factor is the unavailability of equipment and necessary infrastructure to carry out important investigations and treatment. Even if the department has one, they are usually available in singletons, and by the time the PGI realises and all the formalities are completed to procure the equipment, it is already outdated. There is no budget for another one. And when the second one arrives, it is already outdated. For example, there was only one catheterisation laboratory and only one echocardiographic machine for the whole hospital. If these vital instruments break down, the patients are sent out for these investigations.

The payment policy of the patients also needs to be highlighted. I had seen high-ranking officers sending their peons to get the registration card made with income written less than Rs 200. Can you imagine, a person of IAS rank would do that to avoid paying a measly Rs 650 for his echocardiogram? These hospitals are definitely dependent on government aid, however, some revenue generation is a part of the growth of these hospitals, if they are to stay in competition.

The resignation of junior faculty is a concern too. I think there are two important reasons. One, the junior faculty wants a public sector hospital to be a training platform as no hospital in the private sector would give jobs to a fresh graduate. If we can make the jobs more attractive to the younger faculty, may be this can be reversed. The second reason could be frustration. As senior faculty would not allow them to use machines, give them the chance to do procedures. This can pent up over a period of time and let up as resignation. Gradual involvement and structured training could encourage seamless induction of the younger members of the faculty.

The case of Dr Murlitharan brings into light so many non-academic factors that play into the decision of promotion. I am saddened by the state of affairs. It is true that someone’s promotion is based on evaluation by the peer group, however, should not depend upon the nod of a single person. I would go all out to call Murli back, as he is an asset to the institute and we should not lose him. I appeal to all concerned to rethink their decision before losing this important jewel from the PGI’s crown.

MANDEEP SINGH, MD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA

Humiliated

The manner of removal of the CMD of PESCO, Maj-Gen U.S. Sidhu (retd), is shocking. It has become a common practice in our country to appoint “own men” and cronies as MDs and chairmen, throwing the established norms to the winds as political masters change. But, what is baffling in this particular case is the hurry and manner in which this change has been effected.

Lt Col HARJINDER SINGH (retd), Kalala (Sangrur)

SC judgement

In spite of the categorical assurance by the Prime Minister that the order of the Supreme Court would be followed in letter and in spirit, it has been followed in letter only.

Ram needs a mandir to live and Rahim a masjid. The fools fail to realise that Ram and Rahim are one only known by infinite names. The verdict of His supreme court should be followed. The loser will call the judgement of the Supreme Court as camouflaged to favour or appease the other party.

P. S. SATNAM, Patiala

Assembly results

In the past The Tribune used to carry detailed results of each constituency, but this time the detailed results of only 55 Assemblies have been published (Feb. 25, 26). Why?

LABH SINGH, Patiala

Tailpiece

This was written on the rear side of a truck carrying milk going ahead of me on the Adampur-Jalandhar road:

"Veera mainu lang lain de,

Kite dudh da dhahin na ban jaye".

Dr PREETINDER SINGH DANG, Jalandhar