Editor,
It is good to see that Civil Hospital, Shillong has opened a Casualty Unit and Endoscopic Facility (ST dt. 11/05/12). However, I hope it is not just another ‘Shillong shining’ moment that the government can showcase to the public via the newspapers and media. What I’m interested to know as a concerned citizen, is whether we have the required number of qualified staff to run the unit or will it be the common story of ‘additional duty’ for existing doctors working in the hospital. A casualty unit has to be running 24×7 with specialist doctors on duty. My question is, does the unit have the required human resource so that it can start functioning immediately? Or will the public go unserviced? Another issue I am aware of concerns the new rooms (deluxe/semi-private/private) located in the new building wing of the hospital…again here the usual story… Where is the required manpower to provide the ‘deluxe’ service? Instead the doctors working in the old wing are being ‘tennis-balled’ to cater to the ones in the deluxe rooms – the ones with red lights and all sorts of lights on their heads! What about the common man who is sick and lying in the ward? When will he be serviced? I urge the government to ensure adequate and appropriate staffing immediately so that the casualty unit does not become a casualty of ‘minority interests’. Likewise adequate and qualified staff are required to ensure that new services (eg. deluxe rooms etc) do not lead to overburdening of existing manpower which can easily lead to inefficient service delivery and marginalization of the common man.
Yours etc.,
Alen Lyngdoh,
Via email
Patent local spices!
Editor,
There is so much talk about the Basin Livelihood project that was launched with a lot of fanfare. Significantly agriculture finds importance as one of the projects goals and mission. The government should also focus on setting up a centre for quality testing of our locally grown agricultural products as well as patenting the well-known Lakadong turmeric grown in Jaintia hills under its own brand. If we adopt a patent our spice products become more valuable and saleable in the international market. I wonder whether there has there been any such initiative by the concerned department before someone else claims ownership.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S Wankhar,
Shillong-3
Why is Khlieh Iewduh orphaned?
Editor,
Once again the approach road to Khlieh Iewduh Parking Lot is in dire need of repair. The road is full of pot holes all along its stretch. Ever since the road was made motorable to facilitate parking at the Khlieh Iewduh Parking Lot about eight years ago this particular road was repaired only once by our honourable Governor during President’s Rule. Since then, it has been left unattended. Its present condition is pathetic. The onslaught of monsoons will only make it worse. One wonders why this road is always left unattended. Perhaps it is because this road is mostly used by the common people and not by the higher echelons. But one would like to mention here that this road is important as it is only through this road that all essential and eatable commodities are brought to Iewduh, one of the biggest markets in the state. As such, the road does have its own importance. If this road is not repaired soon then precious lives may be lost as any day a goods laden truck/bus may turn turtle in one of the potholes and collapse on pedestrians or the smaller vehicles plying through the road. This road has become so bad that even if one reserves a cab to Khlieh Iewduh, the driver hesitates to take passengers there. But even if he does he charges a sky-rocketing fare. One only hopes that the print and electronic media takes time to visit this road and bring its condition to light so that the government and concerned departments wake up and do the needful.
Yours etc.,
Dr Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email
Ill-conceived article
Editor,
Apropos the article, ‘Are the tribals of NE third class citizens?’ Mr. Khlur Basan has given a befitting reply to Barnes Mawrie. Hats off to him for presenting a well researched reply to this ill-informed article by Mawrie. I totally agree to what Basan has to say about such a mentality portrayed by Mawrie without giving any due consideration for other similarly sensitive issues. He has completely failed to see the other side of the coin. Let us hope he will think twice before providing any such bogus views in the future. There cannot be smoke without any fire. Once again, hats off to Khlur Basan, well done
Yours etc.,
Rajesh Swarnakar,
Via email
Are Govt officials above law?
Editor,
Apropos the news “City police crack down on vehicles with tinted glasses” (ST May 16th, 2012), why should Government vehicles be spared unless such a vehicle carries persons VVIPs and/or those enjoying “Z” and “Z plus” category security. The Police should also ensure that the right persons use the red beacon with flasher and without flasher, Amber beacon and Blue beacon as specified in Notification No.52(E)/11-01-2002 of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India which is in pursuance of the powers under clause (iii) of proviso to rule 108 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989. This is important and urgent because in Meghalaya there are many officials who are not entitled to use such beacons but go on using them foolishly. The police should ensure that the right persons use such beacons and crack down on those who are not authorised to do so.
Yours etc.,
Freddy Lyngdoh Mawphlang
Wanted a common man’s politician
Editor,
Your recent article which talks of the non-flamboyant Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar made for some positive reading which quickly translated into a positive sentiment at a time when we are shrouded by a sense of cynicism towards the powers that be, to the extent that some may even dismiss the unassuming conduct of the Manohar Parrikars & Mamata Banerjees and perhaps many more as mere gimmicks.
Believe you me – it takes a lot (A LOT) to have it all and yet choose not to flaunt the paraphernalia which in recent decades has come to be associated with positions of power. These are all treated as goodies of office and an incentive that many who aspire for such positions, seek at the culmination of their journey to powerdom.
Therefore kudos to all our public representatives who choose to be a part of the public thereby bringing a breath of fresh air! These are the few who will bring credibility into the political system and restore peoples’ faith in it. This will eventually dismiss the unhealthy cynicism that plagues us in this day and age. May their tribe grow!
Yours etc.,
Gagann Jain
Sikkim Manipal University