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Cut cost of pills
All chemist shops in the vicinity of Government Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, sell medicines at MRP and there is no provision of discounts. However, we learn from media reports that the mark-up on medicines is almost 50 to 60 per cent. But the moment you ask for any discount, the shopkeepers of the area indignantly retort that their margin of profit is almost negligible. The government needs to look into the matter and make sure that the MRPs of medicines are kept with a profit margin of not more than 10 per cent. In the case of medicines and other necessary items, there should be a strict policy in pricing matters that is consumer-friendly and not according to multinational corporates. In our country, if any one member of a middle class or below middle class family is afflicted with a serious ailment, it wreaks havoc on the finances of the family. The hassled members have no choice but to buy the medicine easliy available nearby rather then explore other shops. Amanvir Singh Tiwana, Patiala
Let rivers flow
Apropos the news item “Hydro units affect river flow, says Narain” (February 1), the Director-General of the Centre for Science and Environment has rightly expressed concern over the engineering of rivers to suit hydro power projects. Science must be used to serve humanity, but in a way that it does not disturb the ecological balance. Maintaining the requisite flow of water in the rivers is necessary for the continual survival of natural flora and fauna. Reservoirs that come upstream of such hydro projects help create new wetlands where flora and fauna evolve and grow. This is an added advantage. The existing powerhouses can be uprated by two methodologies: one, by utilising the inbuilt margins of various parameters of turbines, generators, transformers and breakers and two, by replacing their components by exploring the latest technology. KK Sood, Nangal
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Scientific attitude Inculcating a scientific attitude is the duty of every citizen and the application of science holds a promise for the resolution of many problems that we face. Apropos the news report “Indian Science Congress opens in Jammu tomorrow” (February 2), science should be the harbinger of a better future for the state, in general, and Jammu University as a seat of higher education, in particular. The theme of the congress “Innovations in Science and Technology for Inclusive Development” is sensitive to the needs of society as a whole. The science of economics demands that the total funds and resources used on the mega event should be made public so that their cost-effectiveness inasmuch as utility in the underdeveloped regions of the state and the potential of bringing more warmth to the people in need are concerned. Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala Bank strike unfair The government should not bow to the bank employees’ demand as the Indian Bank Association has already offered a 10 per cent hike in their pay despite the fact that the profits of all public sector banks have slipped. Rather, the staff should work for the growth of the institutions and reduce their NPAs to zero level. The bank employees are already getting very high salaries. Keeping in vew the downward trend of profits of most banks, the staff should agree to the 10 per cent hike, which is quite comfortable. S C Dhall, Zirakpur Save the peacock In 1963, peacock, the symbol of grace, joy, beauty and love, was declared the National Bird of India because of its religious sanctity and legendary involvement in traditions. The bird must be well-distributed in the country so that it can be truly national. But, unfortunately, our national bird may soon become extinct. As per a recent survey, approximately 200 peacocks are killed everyday for commercial purposes. And since the sale of peacock feathers is not a punishable offence, this beautiful bird is in danger. As responsible citizens, we should not purchase products made with the bird’s feathers. Dr Sunaina, Chandigarh
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