What a swine of a flu (contd.)

Even the government makeshift solutions are revolting. What does Mr. Azad mean when he says that people in large numbers should not congregate together? What about the malls, multiplexes, local bazaars? And well, as it is the most crowded places in the country are the government hospitals! Wake up Mr. Azad. Holding a portfolio isn’t a child’s play. The disgusting method to control a spurt in population in the country, that you suggested a few days back, is a clear indication of the casual stance that you have donned to manage the health resources and conditions of the country. According to a survey done by a leading English news channel there are only 18 swine flu testing centers for a population of 1 billion in the country. Government officials are blaming the private hospitals of not having sufficient facilities for the tests to be conducted. But are the government ones well equipped? You pick up a government hospital in random in Calcutta. Far from having equipments for the tests, the chances of dogs loitering in the corridors of the hospital are very high. Even if the common consensus is that the rate of people contracting swine flu is very less in India as compared to other countries like the US and however much the government asks us not to panic, the general pulse of the people says that they ARE panicking and it’s a thing that cannot be avoided, given the spread of the disease, the death of Rida and the overall mismanagement. What they are suggesting is a partnership with government and private bodies. It is a good step, if implemented. But a lot will depend upon the management and the functioning of the body. Moreover, if the private players step into their domain of profit making, then the consumers will be unnecessarily harassed. So till now, there hasn’t been a fool proof plan to counter this deadly disease. As our think-tanks sit in private, cosy and closed chambers, sipping on their cups of tea and enjoying the AC, the matters are on (the table). I don’t mind, Mr. Minister, your adherence to luxury (which seems to be the time tried trend among portfolio holders) but its your duty to help us and our right to be provided with a remedy.