Risks of rare disease
A man suspected to have contracted Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) died in Solapur district of Maharashtra. This is probably the first death in that state suspected to have been caused by the rare disease. The number of cases of the immunological nerve disorder in Pune has risen to 110, which prompted the Union health ministry to depute a high-level multi-disciplinary team to Pune to aid state authorities to manage the spurt in the suspected and confirmed cases of GBS in the city. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks part of their peripheral nervous system, which carries signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This harm causes muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. According to medical experts, GBS begins suddenly and can increase in intensity over a period until certain muscles cannot be used at all. Some cases of GBS are very mild and only marked by brief weakness. Others cause nearly devastating paralysis, leaving the person unable to breathe on their own. In these cases, the disorder is life-threatening as it potentially interferes with breathing, blood pressure, or heart rate. Some therapies can reduce its severity and shorten recovery time. There are also several ways to treat the complications of the disease. To prevent the disease, personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, is very important.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Push for double tracking
It has been deeply concerning to witness the Railways/RVNL pushing forward with their double tracking work in Velsao. It is frustrating to see the people, particularly senior citizens, being harassed and inconvenienced for the project. However, what is even more perplexing is the silence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, as well as Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira. Why aren’t they stepping in to defend the rights of law-abiding citizens? A government voted to power by Goans seems to be riding roughshod over the sentiments and concerns of the people. At least the late chief minister Manohar Parrikar had the courage to stand up against the railways’ plans for double tracking.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Liquor woes
The police crackdown on public drinking is important to protect Goa’s image and maintain law and order. The police should also address the other serious issues of illegal alcohol sales in small bars and wine stores. The illegal opening hours and serving of alcohol to addicted people can contribute to further problems, both socially and for the local community. It’s not just about tourists drinking in public spaces, but also the irresponsible behaviour of some bar owners who flout rules, creating additional societal problems. It is a complex issue because it involves a balance between tourism, local culture, and public safety. It is clear that addressing these problems on multiple fronts — from public drinking to illegal alcohol sales — could contribute to a more sustainable solution for Goa.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Trump undermining WHO
Taking on the World Health Organisation (WHO) is not new to new US President Donald Trump as he had done so in 2020. But that move was swiftly reversed by his successor Joe Biden. Eighteen per cent of the WHO’s 2023 budget was provided by the US. No doubt the WHO is not without flaws, but its yeoman’s service in fighting many communicable and non-communicable diseases cannot be understated. Its body of work in small pox, HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and, of course, poliomyelitis is there to see. Additionally, in natural disasters, the top health body has left no stone unturned in mitigating and alleviating human misery. Trump is sore with the WHO’s ‘inept’ handling of the coronavirus pandemic, but experts have said that it did reasonably well under the then gripping circumstances. While the WHO obviously would suffer from the US opting out from all dealings with it, the US cannot take health cooperation and health emergencies for granted without the active involvement of the top health organisation.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Low in India-Lanka ties
It is deeply troubling to learn that two of our fishermen were injured due to firing by the Sri Lankan Navy, while three others sustained minor injuries. Additionally, 13 people have been detained. While Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has been consistently writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar seeking action on this matter, the results have been disappointing. The central government must initiate a comprehensive dialogue with the Sri Lankan authorities to put an end to these recurring detentions. At the same time, it would be wise for Stalin to advise our fishermen to strictly follow the rules and avoid venturing into Sri Lankan waters, confining their activities to Indian territory. Could the Indian Navy not patrol the maritime boundary to help guide our fishermen and prevent them from crossing into Sri Lankan waters, thus avoiding these unnecessary arrests?
N Mahadevan, Chennai
