Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Swine Flu!!!

There has been too much talk regarding this over the last few days. The media frenzy on one side, and the indiscriminate comments from the Union Health Minister fueling the tension in the air. Lot has been talked about. Websites, and media trying to rope in on the chaos to earn extra bucks.,the mask dealers selling the masks at exorbitant rates, exemplifies the commercialization of calamities.

The rate at which the disease is spreading is indeed alarming. Instead of insisting on basic first aid, the Government should enact some law, that prohibits mass assembly of people. An air borne disease is impossible to control, until you eliminate the chances of contamination. It is my best guess that government is trying their very best to downplay this, in order to eliminate mass panic. (As I type this, I can hear people coughing!!!). The efforts of the government is undermined by the media, who has done a great deal to spread mass panic. I could see many people wearing face masks and covering their face with handkerchief, not to mention that it doesn't help, but in creates more insecurity to the people around.

One interesting fact is, more people die of hunger, cardiac arrest, dengue fever, malaria etc. Neither the media, nor the government's around the world has taken concerted measures to tackle these. I have downplayed the rapid emergence of health clubs over the last few years. Since it is the lower class who is at the receiving end, the media too is not bothered. This neglected lot have no voices, and the deaths do not even get reported.

An alarming trend is emerging in this modern world. The profit or long term benefits is what keeps one going. The misfortune of one is a route to another man's fortune. The medical industry has been thriving on this for sometime. There are unreported incidents of hospitals, performing needless operations on patients to thwart money. One can't blame the doctor for it. If he doesn't achieve his "business" target, he will be fired. Am I being a socialist? Yes, I maybe one, but I am not a communist. I have started believing in collaborative growth. A process wherein the standard of living is improved for all. A marginal improvement would mean a lot to the needy and hungry.

Flu or no flu, I hope the media and the government realizes that many people lose their lives owing to the hunger, malaria etc. The idea of a collaborative growth should take the center stage in this modern world. There has to be a sea change in our attitude. Think over it. Be an agent of change!!!

PS:
I don't know whether any flu virus has gone into my body. I despise going to hospitals.

2 comments:

Mr. Commonsensical said...

There are quite a few people in the center with thoughts like yours and with a genuine dedication to the people of this country. But an effort to correct the wrongs (of such large scale) is a collective measure. It's very difficult to solve a problem in a corrupt, nepotist and selfish democracy like ours. Also keep in mind that we are the most diverse democracy, which makes matters worse when it comes to making a unified decision. If you wish to see the changes you talked about, first our governance has to change. And the people then at the center should be the ones who share your thoughts.

Sandeep said...

My hope of a collective effort hinges on the growth of information technology. We the younger generation can certainly make some noise. The youth of this diverse nation is unified by websites like Facebook, Orkut etc. We can ensure that our message can be spread to a wide spectrum of people. The will power and the never say die spirit can guide us in this verbal duel against the corrupt and selfish lot.
A meticulous strategy has to be in place, taking into confidence the youth and the very few dedicated people in the leadership.