| October 19, 2008 | Sunday | Shawwal 19, 1429 |
To send a letter to the Editor
Click here
Where is justice?
Democracy and Pakistan
In defence of O/A level system
Increase in interest rate
Energy-efficient buildings
Savings schemes
The war on terror
Why can’t we?
McCain versus Obama
Readers are requested to restrict their comments to a maximum of 400 words. We reserve the right to edit letters for reasons of clarity and space. Letters, including those by e-mail, should carry the complete postal address of the sender. The views expressed in these columns do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper.—Editor
IT is a well documented fact that marketing is an important part of sales of a product. We have seen superstars recommend Nike shoes and soft drinks like Pepsi and Coca Cola. The understanding is that a certain class appreciates a certain item and I do not see it to be wrong.
Of late the frequency of doctors endorsing products, from insurance cards to soaps and toothpaste, has increased tremendously. Should this be accepted with regard to the above criterion? I tend not to consider it being the same.
According to thefreedictionary.com, a doctor is a person who has earned the highest academic degrees awarded by a university in a specified discipline. When one is under the umbrella of the designation of a doctor, it appears to be inappropriate to recommend a product. He/she may do so without the use of his/her professional identity.
Another aspect is where promotion of certain medical products/drugs is being done by doctors. One may debate the point that here they are qualified to do so. But my question is: can a personal preference be endorsed by a healthcare professional?
This needs to be carefully analysed as products that are recommended give the message to juniors and the whole medical fraternity of the validity of that product.
Those of us belonging to the same fraternity have seen painkillers and antidepressants come with a big hype and a few years later when side-effects have surfaced, stopping its usage is then advised.
In my opinion it compromises the position of trust a clinician holds.
India in its medical code of ethics states, “Any such endorsements violate the Medical Council of India’s 2002 regulations regarding professional conduct, etiquette and ethics for registered medical practitioners”.
Our own medical code of ethics on self-advertising is completely silent on product endorsement. I request the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to look into this matter with urgency as this prevailing endorsing trend is soon to become an epidemic.
DR BUSHRA SHIRAZI
Member, Karachi
Bioethics Group
(II)
THIS refers to the discussion generated by Dr Murad Khan (Oct 6) raising concerns over the influence of the pharmaceutical industry over physicians’ clinical judgment.
He has made a tremendous effort to highlight a heinous aspect of medical practice supporting his view with compelling evidence.
Other colleagues have also written to share similar concerns. This led to a letter by Riaz Hussain (Pharma Bureau, Oct 18) who enlightened us with the existence of this representative body of research-based pharmaceutical companies. It is heartening to learn their commitment to the code of ethics of International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (IFPMA). Although they appear to be working in the right direction, unfortunately there is little or no evidence of their devout efforts on the ground. The PMDC also sets out clear guidelines for ‘conflicts of interest’ for doctors but who cares?
The question is not about setting guidelines, the question is about the practices. The relationship between doctors and the pharmaceutical industry is a complex one and so is the corruption involved.
The responsibility must be shared by both professionals. There is no question about the fact that drug companies influence the behaviour of physicians not by scientific evidence but by inducements and that the physicians manipulate the relationship for personal gains.
Like there are some well-meaning doctors, there might be some well-meaning people in the pharmaceutical industry. We are not discussing them because their existence seems inconsequential. The powerful majority has created anarchy which is difficult to revamp. A process of accountability must begin. All stakeholders need to get rid of their defences and work together for restoring the sanctity of medical practice.
If there are physicians like us who continue to condemn the inducements by pharmaceutical industry and there are mangers like Riaz Hussain who continue to implement ethical guidelines in the industry itself, there might be some light at the end of the tunnel.
ASMA HUMAYUN
Consultant Psychiatrist
Islamabad
IT is two in the morning. My sister and I are driving around the streets of Karachi as I write this letter, engulfed in both fear and anger. We should not have been there given the current security situation but we have no choice as gun-wielding members of our beloved party of the people are parked outside our apartment building, threatening our family.
I can’t help thinking all of this is my fault, me with all my grandiose ideas of social justice and power to the people. It all started when I left the house the other day in the afternoon for a meeting.
As I was driving down one of our city’s pothole-riddled main roads, a tractor trolley decided to overtake me from the wrong side and ended up destroying the passenger side of my vehicle. I guess I should say that I was lucky no one was hurt. Since the driver of the vehicle was about to take off, I quickly parked my car in front of his and demanded to see his licence and registration. He could produce neither.
There were no traffic police in sight, so I called 15 for assistance. A lady took down my details and promised assistance in seven minutes. As usual a crowd of curious bystanders had gathered. Fifteen minutes and no One Five assistance, so I called again. This time a gentleman picked up. I asked what had happened to the promised assistance.
I heard him shout in the background: “Did anyone take down a woman’s complaint about an accident?”
I prompted him: “I spoke to a woman”. I heard him yell: “Did any woman take down a complaint from a woman who had an accident”.
My misplaced trust in assistance was waning and anxiety began to set in. A policeman on a motorbike happened to pass by and as I was explaining what had happened, the owner of the company arrived sporting a pair of designer sunglasses. A word to the policeman about political party connections and my hope of registering the case flew out the window.
The owner said he was in a hurry, apologised for my loss and proposed settling the issue by having my car repaired. Since I had no other choice and he was offering me his original NIC, I accepted.
The owner took off and I was left at the side of the road with no One Five to my rescue. I got home and informed my hysterical mother that we would at least, if nothing else, get our car repaired.
The next day threatening phone calls started. The owner wanted his ID card back and was refusing to pay for the car damage. I informed him that we would return the card after he paid for the car repairs.
In response we were told: “I know where you live”. So I am sure you figured out what happened next.
So, as we continue to drive around Karachi fearing for what the goons will try next, all I want to know is where are ordinary people supposed to go? What are we supposed to do? Is a gun all that is required to make us shut our mouths?
So I ask you where is justice in our city?
AN INFURIATED RESIDENT
Karachi
NO doubt in modern era democracy is the most liked form of government and it is that much popular that many a dictator calls himself democrat. Most of the countries which claim to be democratic fail to establish democratic institutions because of misgovernance.
Democracy is divided into three types. First, full democracies which fulfil all needs of democracy. For instance, the US, the UK, Sweden, etc.; second, semi-democracies which are mixture of democratic and autocratic institutions like India, Thailand and third is pseudo-democracy which is democracy in name only, In fact, this is dictatorship – such as Pakistan -- where the name of democracy is only used.
In Pakistan sovereignty of the people or parliament’s supremacy is never assured, due to which it fails to be a democratic country.
There are some conditions which are essential for a democratic state or government. These can be ascertained by putting the following questions:
-- Does the right of free expression of opinion and opposition exist?
-- Do the people have the right to change the government?
-- Are the rights of the individual assured and protected?
-- Are there opportunities for the common man?
-- Are the people free from terror?
At present it seems hard to bring Pakistan on the track of democracy because during the last 60 years every government tried to destabilise the democratic institutions. However, it is still not impossible to cultivate the tree of democracy if the rulers are sincere and really want the sovereignty of the people and the supremacy of parliament.
AMJID BOJAIR
Turbat, Kech
THIS is apropos of Imran Ali’s letter, ‘Education: having our system’(Oct 13). I disagree with him as his ideas are biased. Being an O level student myself and from a middle class family, I am aware of what injustice we have to undergo even after obtaining good grades.
First, I don’t find anything wrong in it if middle class families send their children to private schools for O and A levels if they can afford it. Also, there is nothing wrong in it when they send their children to local universities for they can’t afford to send them abroad. To further clarify it, I will quote an example.
Take, for instance, a dictionary which costs Rs100 and consists of 500 words. Another dictionary is for Rs150 and consists of 1,000 words. The third dictionary costs Rs2,000 and provides you with 5,000 words. Which one will you choose if you can afford the dictionary for Rs100 as well as the one that costs Rs150?
The second one is much more useful than the first one. However, the third one is just unaffordable.
Obviously you are bound to choose the second one as it is affordable and of much more assistance. Now you are left with the other two and have to choose between them.
Definitely you’ll choose the first one as you can’t bear the expenses of the one that costs Rs2,000. Similarly, what’s wrong if middle class parents choose private schools over government ones for high standard education. It is a fact that can’t be controverted that O level standard can’t be matched by matriculation and, so, to call the British education system ‘obsolete’ is completely wrong.
In the same way we commit no crime if we opt for engineering or medical universities in our own country as we can’t afford to go abroad.
Besides, why should there be discrimination and reduction of percentages of O and A level students. We don’t get grades for free. We also work hard for it. Even after getting straight A’s, we are denied admissions to universities. This is very discouraging.
Today, our country is facing multifarious problems. Quality education is a solution to many of these problems. However, with the same education system and same discouraging scheme for good students, nothing good can be expected in the near future.
IZZ GHANAA ANSARI
Islamabad
I WOULD like to bring the following facts to the notice of the Central Directorate of National Savings, government of Pakistan, for its sympathetic consideration.
It is heartening to note that the government has increased the rate of interest twice in quick succession. It is also a matter of great satisfaction that preferential treatment has been given to investors of pensioner/Bahbud funds by granting maximum rate of 15 per cent.
The age group of such investors is such that that they are mostly dependent on medication, besides meeting their kitchen expenditure, for which they depend on the profit of investment in NSS.
Rate of service charges is very high, especially if reinvestment is made before completion of one year. The result is that either they forgo the benefit or have to invest their money by slashing their necessary expenditure, and wait for a year to get benefit.
Being a welfare state, the government must consider some via media to protect the interest of investors of pension/Bahbud fund accounts. It is suggested that service charges from such investors may be recovered at the lowest slab of 0.25 per cent, irrespective of the period of investment.
AN INVESTOR OF PENSION ACCOUNT
Karachi
THIS refers to the letter, ‘Reopening of the Marriott Hotel’ (Oct 12), which has become point of discussions for many energy professionals.
The role of the architect in ensuring the building design to be energy-efficient is of paramount importance but this should not reduce the responsibility of the owners/developers to ask for the minimum efficiency requirements. If buildings are to be sustainable, these must be energy-efficient also.
Reference to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Airconditioning Engineers’s contribution to engery efficiency does not mean that other professional organisations are not contributing to dissemination of knowledge relating to energy efficiency. Institution of Electric and Electronics Engineers is also very active and in fact, IEEEP continues to hold seminars on this important subject.
With all the focus on energy challenges, one would expect that responsible organisations would take necessary steps to ensure energy efficiency in at least large buildings since each of these complexes can make a ‘big’ difference.
It is unfortunate to note that a government bank has advertised for a large gas-fired inefficient power plant in which 2/3rd waste energy is not utilised and, instead, separate inefficient central airconditioning chillers with additional gas consumption have been specified.
Even though the Sui Southern Gas Company is only expected to provide our precious gas supply only to efficient congeneration/combined heat and power installations, it is really surprising to see such inefficient installations being advertised openly.Where are we going in this energy-starved encironment? Instead of opting for efficient use of our fast-depleting gas supply (which would also ensure very good economic returns!), the bank has disregarded even the government’s directives for energy conservation. One would expect at least a bank to understand both economic and social responsibility or is that asking for too much?
This bank is just one example. There are many buildings following such inefficient design which should be corrected urgently. Our natural gas is our lifeline and we just cannot afford to waste it anymore. Emergency action is needed to conserve this precious and clean sources of energy if we really want to meet the energy challenges being faced by our country.
AAZA
Karachi
I WOULD like to draw the attention of the government to its recent increase in the percentage of profits on the savings schemes. It is a welcome step which will benefit the investors, especially retired and aged persons who depend on these profits for their living.
This will also attract fresh investment from the public. However, the procedure to avail the increase is difficult and time-consuming.
An account holder has to surrender/encash his existing certificates of investment and submit a fresh application along with the required documents for issuance of new certificates.
Why not the government simply allow the profit percentage with the effective date which should be applicable to the current investments.
ZIAUL HASAN
Karachi
THIS is in support of the letter, ‘The war on terror’ (Oct 16), by Muhammad Kashif Khan. The writer has noted that the terrain of Pakistan’s tribal areas is no different from that of Afghanistan, where even the superpowers failed to win their wars.
To this, one may add that the examples of Somalia and Algeria also show that it is virtually impossible to control militancy. Besides, we are already having a significant problem in Balochistan, therefore we must try to end the fighting in various parts of the NWFP, given the number of foreign powers who seem intent on weakening and destroying Pakistan.
The new offer of peace by Pakistani Taliban through parleys must not be rejected, even if the political leadership or the military feels they have the upper hand. The western military and diplomatic officials would never have acknowledged the impossibility of winning the war in Afghanistan or talking to Taliban if they really had not been at their wit’s end. Taliban should also be invited to present their point of view to the joint sitting of our legislators.
It is possible that Americans may yet exert pressure on Islamabad not to adopt the path of negotiations, but that must not sway us. It should be realised that since some countries have never been able to digest Pakistan’s possession of nuclear weapons and since they have no other way of taking them out at present, they may be deliberately trying to destabilise the country. This would give them an excuse to step in by saying such a situation warrants the removal of our nuclear bombs.
In the end, one would pray to the Almighty to give us all the wisdom and the will to restore peace and strengthen Pakistan.
The insecurity and instability is poison for the economy and we must focus every ounce of our energy to solve the other crises like food and power shortages and the high cost of living, that are causing mental illnesses and suicides as well as crimes.
A GHAFOOR CHAUDHRY
Karachi
RETAILERS in the West have lowered oil prices for providing a welcome boost to consumers during the economic crisis and relief to road users.
Oil which touched the peak of $147 a barrel in the recent past is now below $80, and the price benefit is judiciously passed on to consumers with the promise of more in the coming months. Why can’t we?
MAIRAJ FATIMAH
Karachi
IN his article written for the Washington Post, the Afghan American writer Khaled Hosseini of ‘The Kite Runner’ fame, has taken serious notice of what can only be described as the practice of terrorism by some supporters of America’s Republican Party, which also goes by the sobriquet of the ‘Grand Old Party’ (GOP).
The title of his piece is, appropriately, ‘McCain, Palin are playing with fire’ (Dawn/The LAT WP News Service, Oct 13). Mr Hosseini, while taking note of the GOP supporters’ attempt to scorn and defame the Democratic candidate Barack Obama, has also revealed that they have resorted to cries of ‘traitor’, ‘liar’, ‘terrorist’ and, worst of all, ‘kill him.’ This is unbelievable and truly shocking! He regrets that neither McCain nor Palin has had the moral courage to openly denounce such utterances and, as such, are playing with fire.
Significantly, in Dawn’s same issue, there is another report, captioned, ‘Fierce new row rocks White House race’. According to it, civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis has accused McCain of sowing ‘hatred’ against Barack Obama. Interestingly, McCain had just a few weeks back described Lewis as one of the Americans he admired most, but now he has reacted furiously to the criticism and lashed out at him.
Another interesting coincidence is that the civil rights leader, too, has conveyed his concern in words similar to Mr Hosseini’s: “As public figures with the power to influence and persuade, Senator McCain and Governor Palin are playing with fire, and if they are not careful, that fire will consume us all”. This report also observes that chants of ‘terrorist’ and ‘kill him’ were heard at recent McCain events and some commentators blamed hard hitting negative advertisements of the Republican campaign for that.
Another indictment of the Republican ticket comes from Joe Klein, writing for the Time magazine (Sept 29). He said that McCain is running a uniquely dishonest campaign and also quoted the New York Times editorial board as calling John McCain a liar.
One wouldn’t expect such things in the election campaign of what is supposed to be the world’s leading democracy, purported to be abiding by lofty principles set forth by its founding fathers. But, the unashamed incitement to kill a presidential candidate cannot be seen in any other way than as a manifestation of terrorism.
Republican President Bush and his supporters have been crying hoarse about the terrorism of Al Qaeda but are ignoring the same disease displayed by what may perhaps be called ‘Al Republicaeda’. If these people don’t have any respect for the life of the man who may be their next president, what regard can their party have for the ordinary men, women and children living in faraway Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, whom their military has been bombarding without restraint?
One wishes Barack Obama and Joe Biden success, because their loss could be disastrous for the world. At the same time, it is hoped they would realise that it is these Republican extremists who have pushed many ordinary Muslims into militancy by their trigger happy and insensitive approach, which refused to listen to the sage advice of some of America’s closest allies while embarking upon military adventures overseas.
The fires lit by them are already consuming not just the adherent of Islam but the Americans and their other allies as well.
Instead of issuing threats of further attacks, the Democratic leadership should try a loving approach to win over the moderate majority of the Muslims and talk to the hardliners just as Mr Obama has been advocating for Iran’s rulers. If that is done, the issue of terrorism will fade away surprisingly quickly.
KHALID CHAUDHRY
Karachi
You can also send letters to the Editor
Just send your message to the following address: letters@dawn.com
Make sure you include your full name, postal address, e-mail address, and in the case of Pakistan your day-time telephone number.
