Doctors are under oath to serve humanity. Yet, what has happened in >Chhattisgarh (Nov.12 and 13) indicates, prima facie, medical negligence. I recollect what an Indian doctor who had worked abroad said. He was not in the least surprised that such things happen as, according to him, many doctors here practise “trial and error” treatment.
Aryangat Chandran,
Kochi
“Give me good mothers and I shall give you a great nation,” said Napoleon Bonaparte. On the contrary, our leaders seem to be totally unconcerned about the health of our women. In our nation where more than 95 per cent of female sterilisation involves tubectomy, an element of care and caution is a necessity.
Aijaz Hussain Malik,
Pattan, J&K
Forty years ago, an enlightened District Collector in Kerala came to an agreement with the Family Planning Department and WHO and organised an efficiently run family planning camp in Ernakulam. The venue was the Town Hall, which was converted into cubicles; some 200 doctors carried out vasectomy procedures. Those who were employed and were operated upon were given leave of absence for two weeks, travel expenses, foodgrains and a bag or a plastic bucket, then a rarity. The attendant was given Rs.200. Initially the Church and Islamic clerics tried to protest, but on witnessing the public reaction they fell silent. A week later, a similar camp was conducted for women. The Collector later went on to become a Central Minister. Welfare was dear to him and he went on to do wonders. He even planned to set up clinics for pregnant women who would have periodic check-ups, nutritious food and plan for the future. The aim was to be able to persuade any woman who had had two deliveries to undergo sterilisation.
Sheela Chandrachudan,
Bengaluru
The deaths reveal another gender-biased practice. Medically, a vasectomy is more efficient in terms of both cost and safety when compared to a tubectomy.
Dattatrey Kedare,
Nashik
How on earth would so many women die at sterilisation camps? This amounts to homicide committed by the state. The entire medical and administrative team appears to have been casual, callous and cruel.
Araveeti Rama Yogaiah,
Hyderabad
The disparity in terms of care between public and private medical facilities in India is shameful and ranges from state-of-the art and pampered care for international health tourists to situations of the kind now seen in Chhattisgarh. When will the government health system shake off its lethargy, apathy and red tapism in order to ensure quality health care for the common man?
Kirubah Vasanthi David,
Vellore
