Lagging in healthcare

SO far, our government is doing all that is needed for social distancing and the public is largely cooperating, and it must. But we lack basic health facilities. Even doctors and paramedical staff are struggling to get PPE and N-95 masks. Can our frontline heroes give their best in such conditions? In 1948, our football players played barefoot in their Olympics debut against France. Haven’t we changed economically in seven decades? If we have, where is our vision and welfare state? We must introspect and look beyond Covid-19. We need to make our public health system more competent to cope with such crises. Only then can India shine in real terms.

Kuldip Singh, Mansa

A serious lapse

Around 2,000 people participated in the Tablighi Jamaat event held at Markaz Nizamuddin in New Delhi, from March 13 onwards, flouting the government’s directions on social distancing, thus showing great indifference. The important question that arises is: during the imposition of curfew, and during complete lockdown in the country, how did this congregation go undetected for such a long period of time? Were the police — at an arm’s length from the site — or the authorities concerned, unaware of the event, in spite of the fact that there are intelligence agencies for the purpose? It shows lack of diligence on the part of the police and intelligence agencies.

Shadi Lal, by mail

Be responsible

Reference to the Nizamuddin event, the Health Ministry spokesman has rightly said it is not the time to find faults. We should remain united in our fight against Covid, as it does not discriminate between religious and geographical boundaries. We should act like responsible citizens, not only for ourselves, but also for the entire humanity. To err is human.

Ashok Kumar, Jalandhar

Not enough safety gear

Refer to ‘Haryana’s frontline soldiers battle Covid sans protective gear’ (March 30); it is alarming that the government has not provided the saviours of our society, the medical staff, with enough protective equipment. They are facing maximum risk and exposure to infection. Only if they are safe will they be able to save others. Gestures like clapping, saying ‘thank you’ and thali bajana are not enough. Not only by words, the government must stand with them in all possible ways and make their security a priority.

Aarzoo Arora, Jalandhar

Watch over the needy

The PM has given a call for mobilising funds to fight Covid-19. Unfortunately, we all know how government spending goes. A lot of money will be pocketed by the mediators. So, I request the rich and middle class people to be sympathetic to the poor around us. Together, we can fight any disease today, and in future also. Let us keep brotherhood alive and do whatever possible for the needy in this crisis.

Rajeev bansal, by mail

Selective spraying

Apropos the spraying of disinfectant on migrant labourers, before this, they were forced to walk for days without food and water. We did not do this to those citizens who flew in from infected parts of the world? We airlifted them and treated them like humans, and not like animals or pests. Every citizen is equal in this country. Or are they really?

Arunjit Butalia, Ferozepur Cantt

Poor paying the price

Well-off people coming from abroad were not sprayed with disinfectant, but migrant labourers had to go through it. The poor of the country are bearing the cost of the rich coming by airplane.

Nikita Sharma, by mail

Flower crop losses

Amid the ongoing corona challenge, farmers — specially those who ventured into crop diversification by adopting vegetable and floriculture — are among the sufferers, but they are not being talked of in any forum. Hundreds of acres of gladiolus, rose, marigold and chrysanthemum had to be uprooted since weddings and religious celebrations have been put off. Flowers cannot be stored for a long period. The average losses are to the tune of Rs 1.5 lakh per acre. Considered as pioneers of crop diversification, these farmers need to be compensated. The government must conduct a special girdawari to assess the loss.

SS Saacha, by mail

Misuse of passes

Curfew passes have been given to those in desperate circumstances. However, passes are being demanded, and are being given to influential citizens to maintain their lifestyle, with gardeners and chauffeurs. As a law-abiding citizen, I am ashamed to learn of such selfish behaviour.

Roma Uppal, by mail

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