Letters to the Editor

Is this democracy or demo(nstration) crazy?

Our intellectuals resort to not only strikes but also to demonstrations to win their demands and to show their dissent. Being intellectuals, I am of the opinion that they should adopt innovative methods to achieve their objectives.

These so-called academics (except a few), I wonder, do not have humanistic values but only paper qualifications – a string of degrees and doctorates. That may be the reason doctors don’t mind patients suffering or lecturers making students the scapegoats.

Please correct me if I am wrong, but I get the impression that these degree and doctorate holders have gone “demo crazy” in a democratic country because they do not have altruistic but only pecuniary motives.

Mohamed Zahran

Colombo 3

 

Hoo-ha over foreign medical practitioners

There has been a lot of focus on the medical profession of late, specifically the hoo-ha by some members of the Sri Lankan medical profession with regard to foreign medical practitioners in our country.

I am fortunate in that I am able to write this letter today due to the efforts of one such foreign medical practitioner. Hence, I am at a loss as to why people charged with the health and welfare of the people would stoop so low as to bring to disrepute this hallowed profession.

While I have the means to go to a private hospital, by no means can I fly overseas for costly procedures, while many, who have no choice but to go to a Government hospital, are forced to wait in line until their number is called up. For the suffering multitudes, this is often too late.

I am therefore so grateful that private hospitals have thought it fit to bring down foreign professionals and offer their services within a margin that is affordable. I for one am in favour of these services being available for those who can afford them. After all, it is my choice and right to choose my doctor, is it not?

I wish to thank the many hospitals and their administration for having the foresight to bring down these professionals who provide an invaluable service, at a fraction of the cost of what it is overseas, to the many patients who need their services. Well done!

Hilary L

Rathanapitiya