Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Expired polio vaccine
I was shocked to read the report on expired polio vaccine being administered to children in Rawalpindi (Dec 17). It was unbelievable that expired vaccines were provided to polio workers. The preparation for the polio campaign started months ago. As far as I know, the workers are trained and every training has a session on vaccine vial management, including the three basic points – each worker and her supervisor has to check vaccine vial monitor, expiry date and any physical damage to the vial.
Why these workers accepted the expired vaccine vials must be investigated. But more important and beyond comprehension is the statement of Emergency Operation Centre on Polio National Coordinator, Dr Rana Safdar, who said expired vaccine is not harmful if administered as it cannot cause the disease. Will the EOC staff administer the expired vaccines to their own children if they are not harmful? Even a layman knows the effects of expired medicines and vaccines.
Such statements create doubts among the public. Will there be any accountability on this negligence? Such negligence will be instrumental in keeping the children away from vaccination and make the government’s target of eradicating polio unachievable.
M SAADULLAH
Islamabad
Stop stressing start living
In this era life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations, and demands due to which many people become victim of stress that wreaks havoc on their emotional equilibrium and physical health. Effective stress management helps break the hold stress has on life, so one can be happier, healthier and more productive. Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in life. Practise the four A’s – Avoid, Alter, Adapt & Accept. Avoid unnecessary stress. Learn how to say “no.” Don’t over-commit yourself. Manage time by prioritizing tasks. Break projects into small steps. Avoid spending time with people who stress you out. Pare down to-do list. If it’s too much, drop or eliminate the tasks that aren’t truly necessary.
Alter the situation. Express the feelings instead of bottling them up and communicate your concerns in an open and respectful way. Be willing to compromise. Create a balanced schedule. All work and no play is a recipe for burnout. Adapt to the stressor. Reframe problems. Stop demanding perfection. Set reasonable standards for yourself and others, and learn to be okay with “good enough.” Practise gratitude. When stress is getting you down, take a moment to appreciate the good things and positive qualities you have. Accept the things you can’t change. Instead of stressing over the uncontrollable particularly the behaviour of other people, focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to problems. Consider the major challenges as opportunities for personal growth. Let go of anger and resentment. Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving on. Share your feelings with trusted friends or a therapist. It can be very cathartic.
FAIZAN AHMAD KHAN
Rawalpindi
Poor working at govt hospitals
Government hospitals are in bad condition where doctors don’t give any proper attention to patients. There is a lot of crowd at such hospitals which the administration is not able to manage properly. Another serious issue is the use of fake medicine. In Pakistan, many people die because of these fake medicine and most of them suffer from heart problems. The government must establish some institutions and make special teams whose only responsibility is to check and apprehend all the people who are involved in the business of fake medicine. Another serious issue is the use of fake medicines. In Pakistan, many people die because of these fake medicine, and most of them suffer from heart problems.
People need to stay healthy if they have to learn, earn and live a productive and satisfying life. The regrettable condition of government hospitals is not surprising to anyone. Affordable but reliable medical care remains a fantasy for the vast majority. The government should provide latest equipment to doctors and make the things better. All over the Pakistan there is not a single government hospital which has pure water. Most of patients drink contaminated water and then fall sick again. My request to the Punjab government is to improve the working of all public sector hospitals.
AIMAN AMJAD
Islamabad
Build up your community
Having the right people around you is one of the most important things you can do for yourself when the times get tough. You want to surround yourself with people who are loving, caring, honest and available. You need them to be loving because a little love always makes bad days seem a little brighter. You need them to be caring because it helps to have someone who cares about your well being as much as you do.
But you also need them to be honest. You need someone who can look you in the eye tell you truth. Their honesty may be that one piece of information you need to get through the tough time. And you need them to be available. When you pick up the phone looking for some compassion or honesty, it helps to have someone who’s actually going to answer. Community is also important because it helps to have someone who understands what it is that you’re going through and can relate to your situation. If you can find a community who has been through what you’re going through, you can find out how they made it and then apply that to your own life.
MARYAM SHAH
Islamabad
Rape culture
Rape is one of the major problems faced by Pakistan today. Sexual assaults and rapes are such violent crimes that not only leave the victim physically assaulted but also emotionally traumatized or even dead. Our women, children and even newborns are not safe from these low life men behind these magnificent masks. Child Sexual Assault cases have specially been recorded to increase tremendously.
These molesters or rapists think they are strong enough to do such hideous acts and get away from them by sweeping their sins under the rug. In spite of all the laws, awareness and education, these criminals are not held accountable for their evil acts. Women in Pakistan are in urgent need of protection. I request the authorities to take strong action and impose the classic Shariah law of publicly lashing the criminals and stoning them to death. This is the only hope and approach to make transgressors refrain from the crime by making them fear vengeance, hostility and humiliation in society.
MOHEB ABDUL RASHID
Rawalpindi
Arslan Ash Siddique
A young lad of 24 years made history for Pakistan. Arslan Ash Siddique, a Fighting Games player, from Lahore won Evo 2019, Tekken 7 by beating game giants in Las Vegas. Thanks to sponsors and community drive that made his participation in the game possible. After victory Arslan said that there are more talented players than him in the country but they do not get chance to compete internationally. He received prize of US$ 14,000. It is a welcome sign that our youth is striving for the best and excelling in all fields of sport. They only need opportunities and patronization.
No doubt, the participation of corporate sector in patronizing sports and other healthy activities has decreased with the passage of time. Many brilliant players do not reach the zenith of game owing to lack of resources. We must, collectively, come forward and hold hands of those who can reach the top of ladder and provide them with ample chances. Congratulations to Arslan Ash for his dynamic success and unfolding the field of tekken for Pakistani youth.
IFTIKHAR MIRZA
Islamabad
