Expensive treatment
Refer to ‘India’s TB crisis’; the growing incidence of tuberculosis in India is a serious concern. We have effective drugs to treat the disease. Still, the number of cases is increasing abnormally in India. The drugs meant to treat TB are expensive; with the vulnerable section being very poor, it is difficult to continue the treatment regime as recommended. This has led to the growing incidence of multidrug-resistant TB. Another important factor is the lack of nutrition. Those who are malnourished fall prey to this disease. It is imminent to address this issue in a comprehensive manner and deal with the factors contributing to the rising caseload.
AG Rajmohan, Anantapur (AP)
Need coordinated efforts
With reference to ‘India’s TB crisis’; India has the highest number of TB cases in the world. This communicable disease is mainly attributed to poverty, undernourishment, poor and unhygienic living conditions. It is compounded by inadequate access to quality healthcare, expensive medical bills and discontinuation of treatment by patients, causing a relapse. It is distressing to note that instead of augmenting funding for this life-threatening disease, the government has curtailed it in recent years. Without robust investment and coordinated efforts exhibiting a sense of urgency, we can never succeed in eradicating this disease. The government must intensify awareness campaigns to combat TB.
Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa
Provide better healthcare
Apropos of ‘India’s TB crisis’; for a TB-free India, everyone’s contribution at the governmental, social and individual level is necessary. If coordinated efforts are made, we can definitely move towards a healthy future. The government has set a target to eliminate TB by 2025; for this purpose, many schemes are being run. Effective implementation and continuous monitoring of these programmes can ensure that no person is deprived of treatment.
Sikandar Bansal, Shimla
Awareness on effects of pollution
With reference to ‘The great choke’; the government alone can’t be blamed for the pollution caused by firecrackers and stubble burning. The people are equally responsible for the situation. The need of the hour is to create a department for the management of stubble and pollution caused by firecrackers. Employees of this department in each town should be equipped with adequate infrastructure and machinery to collect stubble from the fields as and when it is available, and they should be accountable for any lapse. The public should be made aware of the consequences of pollution caused by stubble burning and firecrackers through a door-to-door campaign.
Kailash Garg, Chandigarh
Global consequences of US polls
Apropos of ‘High global stakes in a bitter US election’; ideologically, Democrats are seen as more liberal than Republicans on issues such as taxation, abortion rights, renewable energy and multilateral diplomacy. The US elections are being held at a time when Europe and West Asia are mired in conflicts. Globally, the 2024 election will have major consequences. European and Asian nations may disagree with Trump’s hostility towards the Paris Agreement, which might be welcomed by the private sector for the removal of subsidies, favouring US companies. As both presidential candidates are expressing anti-China sentiments, this is a chance for India to enhance its global standing.
Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh
Support from society required
Refer to ‘Landmark SC ruling targets menace of child marriage’; this practice cannot be curbed without support from society. There have been demands to abolish child marriage under the Prohibition of Child Marriages Act, but taking such a step could jeopardise the rights of women who are victims of this practice. Mere legislation will not serve the purpose of eradication of this social evil unless there is social backing. A Uniform Civil Code can help in curbing child marriage.
Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak
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