Height of negligence
On the noon of April 27 an 11-year-old boy was taken to the community health centre (CHC), Valpoi due to a fall and injury to his left leg. A lady medical officer advised X-ray and application of a plaster slab for an undisplaced closed fracture of the left fibula. The next evening the boy was back to the CHC with complaints of vomiting, fever and drowsiness. Another doctor examination referred the boy to the GMC, where doctors found edema of the toes. Due to the onset of gangrene, the limb was amputated. Because of the gross negligence, the lady doctor has been indefinitely suspended by the Public Health Department till a fact-finding committee unravels the event that led to the amputation (NT, May 12, 2026). The doctor maybe at fault but the circumstances that led to the incident should be verified. This is not to absolve the doctor of any carelessness, but was she overworked that resulted in a momentary loss of concentration and judgement? Were there any reports in the past of the doctor’s adverse treatments? The role of the unsuspended multi-tasking staff needs to be checked. Was it his job to assist doctors in mundane works, participate actively by bandaging, setting the plaster-of-Paris, giving injections and in other duties for which he was not trained? Did other doctors in the past used him for similar tasks? Where were the nursing staff when the plaster was being cast? The committee must probe all the aspects prior to its verdict and fixing of responsibilities.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Austerity crisis
The government’s recent call for austerity betrays a profound weakness in leadership, forcing ordinary citizens to shoulder the burden of the state’s diplomatic blunders. By urging the people to reduce oil consumption, halt gold purchases, and even postpone marriages, the administration is attempting to deflect accountability for a self-inflicted energy crisis onto the common man. A particularly shocking part of this strategy is the demand to stop buying gold for a year. In India, gold is far more than jewellery; it serves as a critical ‘safety net’ allowing families to protect their savings against rising inflation. By targeting this asset, the government is directly undermining the financial security of the middle class and the poor. This directive has already triggered market panic, harming investors and the millions of workers whose livelihoods depend on the gold industry. It is a desperate move to mask a currency weakened by systemic policy failures. Instead of prioritising India’s economic interests by buying affordable fuel from diverse markets, the government chose to align with American interests. By distancing the nation from reliable partners to appease Western powers and focus on an alliance with Israel, the state has traded tangible energy security for hollow diplomatic promises.
Samir Khan, Mapusa
Walkway in disarray
We are almost on the threshold of the southwest monsoon, yet we see roads and footpaths in Porvorim in a disastrous condition. To add to the misery, the PWD has now undertaken opening up inspection chambers/manholes along the entire stretch of CHOGM road walkway. Almost a dozen of these manholes have been left open for some reason or the other, and now there are signs of a 4-inch diameter PVC pipe being pushed through the manholes. Prior to this, a few chambers have still been left open and broken paver blocks yet to be replaced. All this has made it very difficult and dangerous for pedestrians to walk. It is hoped that the PWD realises this grave inconvenience and danger and starts to work in a more responsible manner.
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Field day for chameleons
Neither did Maharana Pratap succeed in his mission of reclaiming Chittorgarh nor could Subhas Chandra Bose reach Delhi with his INA. Yet they will remain immortal as the Rana and Netaji for their courage valour ‘never say die’ attitude, perseverance and an absolutely uncompromising mindset unlike the unconscientious folks who feel no qualms in dining with devils, rejoice at the victory of evil or shamelessly indulge in instant somersault whenever power gets transferred from one camp to another! Amidst this disgraceful environment of sheer self-interest, opportunism and spinelessness, salute to those individuals who are still standing ramrod straight by drawing inspiration from that unconquerable spirit as beautifully portrayed by that man of spine Ravish Kumar: “Not all the battles are fought for victory. Some are fought to tell the world that someone was there on the battlefield.”
Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata
