Medical facilities

Apropos of ‘Rural medical facilities’, there is no denying that rural medical infrastructure has remained neglected ever since we attained freedom. Whenever elections are round the corner, rumblings of ramping up health infrastructure is heard from all political parties, but the din dies down as the results are announced. Medical infrastructure and doctor-patient ratio, especially in villages and small towns, are in a rundown state. There are instances where compounders and nurses are running dispensaries in the absence of qualified doctors. Many primary healthcare centres are starved of adequate medical and paramedical staff, leaving the patients with no choice but to rush to city hospitals. The authorities concerned need to ensure equitable distribution of infrastructure and medics between rural and urban pockets. Special budget allocation should be made to augment rural medical infrastructure.

Ramesh K Dhiman, Chandigarh

Poor health infra

Providing medical hospitals and schools to rural areas is a good step. But the concern is that existing medical facilities are not even working properly. Hence, before creating new hospitals, the government should ensure proper functioning of other hospitals first, and that facilities are provided to all.

Nishtha kumar, Yamunanagar

AAP focus shifts

The shine of the AAP is wearing off. It is acquiring the same traits for which people had trounced other parties. It started its reign with a bang, when it abolished multiple pensions of politicians. This earned it the gratitude of the people. Unfortunately, it has started faltering, the first instance being the admission of corrupt and rejected political leaders of other parties into the AAP. Secondly, crime, corruption and mafias are still ruling the roost with no perceptible decline in their activity. Thirdly, those administrative and police officers who were accomplished in the act of creating a nexus between politicians and criminals are still holding sensitive posts. Fourthly, instead of doing anything concrete for the betterment of the people, the party has resorted to publicity and propaganda. Daily, newspapers carry numerous photos of the CM and other party leaders, while billboards and posters with photos of its other party leaders are prominently seen in every nook and corner of the state. Fifthly, instead of implementing its poll commitment to strengthen Punjab industry, the CMs of Punjab and Delhi and the party have diverted attention and energy towards speedily expanding the wings of the party to other states. The idea is not bad, but the speed with which it wants to achieve its goals is neither practical nor feasible.

SS Chahal, Amritsar

Free power

The decision of the AAP government in Punjab to provide free electricity to those who consume less than 300 units in a month is correct, but why should those using ACs and other power-consuming gadgets be provided free power? If they also want to benefit from this scheme, they should restrict consumption within this limit.

IPS Anand, Chandigarh

Freebie rush

‘Free run for freebies’ has become a notorious tool to gain political power, least bothering about economic and social effects. Now, the BJP in HP is following suit. All parties are decorating their election manifestos with sops and doles at the cost of taxpayers. Employment, development and good governance have become secondary. Intelligent minds are being used to destroy the economic resources for short-term gains.

Mukhtiar Singh, Malerkotla

Chance for peace

Reference to the article ‘More predictable engagement from Pak likely’; what happens in the times ahead in world politics is a matter of concern for other nations too, but the relations with neighbouring countries are more essential for peace and development. India and Pakistan are the closest culturally and geographically, but there has been hostility between them ever since Independence. Any change in civil power in Pakistan starts with a hope of initiation of cordial ties. Imran Khan had started his innings by saying ‘Pakistan will take two steps forward if India takes one’. Shehbaz Sharif too has stated encouraging notes regarding ties with India, but the Pakistan army and the Kashmir issue are a roadblock.

BM Singh, Amritsar

Communal clashes

Communal violence has taken place in various states across India. This reflects a very poor image of our nation to the world. Though the Centre has termed these incidents a State matter, it should act upon them. India is united but such disturbing events raise sa question mark over its secular credentials.

Kamalpreet Singh, Ludhiana

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