RISING DEPRESSION: Depression has increased significantly in society, especially among the young. The causes apparently include, among other things, career-related stress, family issues and study pressures. Every young person today seems, or feels, trapped one way or the other. We are only driven by the desire to achieve, which may bring some temporary gains, but it provides no guarantee for long-term success. In fact, by affecting our health, it actually guarantees long-term failure. Is it all worth the risk? We may do well to take some time out, sit back and think about it. If we do that, we would realise that what is actually important is for us to face the current circumstances and focus on improving our learning skills. This way, we may ensure a brighter future for ourselves, our families, and our society.

Ayub Hanif
Karachi

SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS: I recently attended an Academic Council meeting of the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, where the vice-chancellor proposed an academic programme leading to the award of Associate Physician degree. The council was informed that in advanced countries, like the United States and those in Europe, owing to a shortage of doctors, the universities had begun consolidating and offering associate degrees in medicine. In Pakistan, we have one doctor for 1,300 people, when there should be one for every 500. The proposal sounded good and must be considered actively.

Dr Hussain Bux Kolachi
Hyderabad

RAILWAY TRACK: After last year’s floods railway traffic was halted on the track connecting Kotri and Dadu. Now when some trains have already started using that portion of the track, it is clear that the track is good enough for regular operations. The residents of Kotri, Dadu and Larkana have suffered enough and deserve to get some relief now. The government should immediately allow regular operations on the said track.

Dr Salah Udin
Dadu

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2023