Wanted: blood donors

MEDICAL science has developed immensely during the last decade. The delicate surgical operations such as open cardiac surgery and renal transplant are routinely performed at many medical centres in our country these days. The incidence of fast accidents have also increased tremendously due to industrialisation and fast means of transportation. Due to all this, there is a growing demand for blood in the hospitals so that persons suffering from fatal diseases and those injured during accidents could be operated upon and cured.

In our country, the annual requirement of blood is 80,00,000 units per year. It is very disgraceful that only 2 million units are collected through voluntary blood donations. The percentage of voluntary blood donors in our country is only 0.3, whereas in Switzerland and Japan it is 16 and 7 respectively. Thus even after 51 years of Independence, we could not convince people for making blood donation a way of life.

I would like to inform the readers that only 4 per cent of the total blood donation in our country is made by women donors. But I was happy to learn at Pinjore on the eve of 23rd National Conference of Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohaemetology that leaders in the voluntary blood donation movement in our country are in fact women.

The late Lila Mulgaonkar from Mumbai was the main spirit behind the formation of the federation of Bombay Blood Banks. She was honoured with the Padmashree award by the Government of India for her valuable contribution in the field of voluntary blood donation. These days Mrs Swarup Krishan of Chandigarh is leading the movement. She has also been awarded the Padmashree award for her selfless service. They can be the source of inspiration for other women.

I would like to request the people of the country in general and the women in particular to participate in the voluntary blood donation movement so that we can make this country a nation of blood donors.

(Dr ) AJAY BAGGA
Hoshiarpur

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Clinton’s weakness

During the past few weeks I have read some write-ups, including a couple of letters in The Tribune, in which the writers have stressed that Mr Bill Clinton’s sexual relationship with Ms Monica Lewinsky need not be taken seriously by the people of the USA as it is his “personal” affair and does not affect his country in any way.

I differ with such views. The affair, let us not forget, has exposed the world’s most powerful President’s weakness for sex. It may prove to be dangerous for America as some other country could exploit this weakness to achieve a purpose. It does not need to be emphasised that women are often used for spying purposes all over the world. History of the world, in fact, is replete with instances of this kind. I don’t think state secrets can always be considered safe in the hands of a man who has a weakness for women.

Moreover, it is also possible that the US President has been giving undue favours to some people or making other compromises while discharging his official duties in order to fulfil his sexual desires.

SURENDRA MIGLANI
Kaithal

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Scientific genius

Apropos of Prof Yash Pal Sharma’s article “Coiled spring” (Nov 14) it is heartening to note that Mr Rajat Som, an unknown scientist, has at last been given due recognition by a scientist of world fame. This has been possible due to the efforts of this writer who persuaded and guided Mr Rajat Som to meet Prof Yash Pal and explain about the invention which he has done.

The authorities should take care of such talented persons and give the necessary guidance and financial support so that they can devote full time to the activity of their choice. I am sure this unknown scientist, Mr Rajat Som, who hails from a very poor family, is earning his livelihood by doing bookbinding work. He can work wonders if he is put at the right place.

PREM SINGH
Patlikhul (Kulu)

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Ignoring sanitation

Even after the celebration of the golden jubilee of our Independence we have not been able to get rid of dirt and dust from our cities and towns. While our Swadeshi rulers are proud of relieving the sweepers and scavengers from carrying filth on their heads, the general public has not been supplied with an alternative system for the disposal of human excreta which is collected in the hackneyed toilets of private houses. The prevalent system is such that sweepers flush out the waste matter by pouring one or two buckets of water and thereby clogging the narrow drains of the streets.

The supply of insufficient water is another sad tale to be told. Everybody is aware of this difficulty. Resultantly, the drains and pipes remain choked, emitting unbearable foul smell which proves detrimental to the health of people. This method adversely affects the sanitation and hygiene of the towns and also becomes the cause for the outbreak of epidemics and diseases in the affected areas.

The point at issue is: why are adequate arrangements not being made for the flushing out and disposal of human waste? Are we not endangering our existence by this criminal ignorance and negligence? Who is basically responsible for this lapse? The government, the elected representatives, or the people whose voice is not being heard at any stage in any office?

JAI DEV SUMAN
Ferozepur Cantt