This is in reference to the article, "Who will cry for them?" by Dr. Showkat Ali Zargar (GK Aug 8, 2010).
We mourn the death of a person killed by a bullet. But far more deaths occur silently at homes and on the way. They die because of routine ailments. They vanish because they are unable to reach a dispensary, a health care center, a medical shop or a hospital. They die because drugs are not available in the market.
Patients and their attendants should not be asked to produce a curfew pass. Vehicles and ambulances, auto-rikshaws and two wheelers carrying patients should not be stopped by any. They should be allowed to reach the hospital. Doctors and paramedical staff should be able to move without restrictions from any quarter. They should never be stopped. Anyone of us can fall ill any time. Even a disease which looks apparently very ordinary in the beginning can turn into a grave problem. So every patient, even an ordinary patient needs care and treatment.There is shortage of both common and specialized drugs in the stores. The supply of life saving drugs is getting depleted. In this scenario, it's everyone's duty to ensure that movement is not restricted.  Oxygen supply is going to come to a halt. This is a real chaos. This is a human tragedy. These supplies have to be transported. Availability of petrol is as important as availability of drugs. Then only patients and drugs can be mobilized. Hospitals should purchase more ambulances. Young doctors should be sent for training in critical care medicine and management of trauma. Life support system should be kept available at all times. Not only blast and bullet injuries are on rise, but road traffic accidents are increasing at an alarming rate. And yes, let employees of municipality, who work so hard, ensure removal of heaps of garbage from localities. These are sources of infection. If this problem is not addressed some epidemic may engulf the whole population.

Dr. A. Wahid
dr.wahid.ab@gmail.com

Lastupdate on : Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 IST