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- Denis Giles
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Coming to understand the facts our islands by keenly observing the situation prevailing, I am forced to realise that in our Islands the mindset of people has been altered in such a way that it is presumed, the only way of getting things done through govt. officials is ‘bribe’.
Here is one officer & her team who proactively approached public & with complaints acted upon individuals who indulged in corrupt practices, under the prevailing norms. They were duly arrested for their offence.
Yes, I’m talking about the talk of the town, Mrs Aslam Khan, IPS officer, SP (ACU). She and her team methodically tried to address by being active in the best possible means of social media and urging public to inform & complain about the corrupt practices.
The general public informed and the team cracked on corruption at various parts of our isles. Considering this in background, it was very optimistic especially at the outset when our current LG AK Singh took over the constitutional post for our isles. The post of Lt. Governor of A&N Islands is the single most powerful unelected post across country. A Lt. Governor with good intentions can change the situation of the islands, being the Administrator himself.
Soon after joining as the Lt. Governor and the Administrator, one of the first promises the LG AK Singh made was to challenge “corruption” prevailing in our isles, as quoted on August 15th at historic Netaji stadium “Will strive to promote a responsive, effective and transparent Administration to the Islanders, with a zero tolerance towards corruption” but unfortunately the action has been opposite. Within few months of taking of the Anti-corruption unit (ACU), this brave officer has been transferred to Police Training School.
Now the question that arises in my mind is, either go down challenging the “status-quo” or to overcome the “status-quo”.
Thanks Mrs Aslam Khan & team for doing your bit in challenging this status-quo. Your team has the highest sympathy from the islanders for giving your best and ultimately succumbing to the pressure from certain corners.
Yasir MB, UAE
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- Denis Giles
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Apropos the news item appeared on your esteemed News paper - Andaman Chronicle dated 5/11/13, Why the hesitation? Are the private practitioners, specialized facilities available in the islands not up to the mark?
The Lt. Governor’s Relief Fund seems to be getting low when the amount is released to needy and BPL patients on the requests made by the political leaders. Perhaps this is the reason, why the Administration had to call in for donations for the LG’s Relief Fund, inviting individuals, firms etc. There have also been instances wherein relief fund provided by the Administration to BPL patients referred to mainland’s hospitals were not sufficient, such situation arises as the patients remain unaware of the ‘extra’ cost of food and lodging that comes with the treatment. Majority of islanders continue to travel to mainland for treatment and for health care needs, despite exorbitant airfares at a time when A&N Administration and the Hon’ble Lt. Governor is putting in all efforts to establish the long pending Medical College.
Through this letter I would like to humbly request the A&N Administration to recognize the Clinics/Hospitals of A&N Islands Private Practicing Doctors Association (ANIPPDA) for various specialties/ facilities they possess. After scrutiny of private clinic/ hospitals by the concerned authorities, the private doctors of our association be empanelled for re–imbursement of treatment fees for Govt. Employees and their family members who can’t afford to go to mainland, when treatment facility is not available at Govt. hospitals.
In A&N Islands many such treatments are done at private clinic/hospitals which have good infrastructure and state-of- the-art facility. Such facilities include Andrology Lab for infertility treatment, semen analysis, intrauterine insemination (IUI) facilities, sperm cryo- preservation, special new born care unit (SNCU) & all neonatal care, pacemaker, therapeutic endoscopy & banding, colonoscopy, ureteroscopy, PCNL (Percutaneous nephrolithotomy), holter, uroflowmetry, BMD (bone mineral density test), broncoscopy, Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), biothesiometry on foot studies, polypectomy procedures, foreign body removal etc.
The private clinics/ hospitals have also modern day facilities for blood sample collection for biochemistry and histo pathological examination. Other facilities available with the ANIPPDA members are dental implants, fixed teeth (full ceramic, metal with ceramic & Nickel Chromium), Root canal treatment, implant overdentures, orthodontic treatment (fixed braces), apicocetomy, deep seated impaction (extraction of teeth), splinting, space maintainers, root planning & curettage, post core, tooth whitening, veneers, flap surgery, habit breaking appliances, cosmetic dentistry.
In homeopathy, branded medicines too are available in private homeo pharmacy. It is high time that the A&N Administration should give a choice to patients for referral in private clinics in A&N Islands.
Dr. Dinesh
General Secretary
A & N Islands Private Practicing Doctors Association.
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- Denis Giles
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Sir,
It is learnt that the PBMC in their bid to beautify the town have also decided to widen the existing pedestrian / footpath in the Joggers Park to 1.5 mtrs and to also lay chequered tiles on the path. Further the Chairman has also ordered to set up a Snacks Bar in the Park premises.
With chequered tiles flooding the town, be it footpath, motor-able lanes, parking space and so on. I won’t be surprised if they decided to lay chequered tiles on the Sea bed for the Sea walkers too.
Jogging is an activity that is as demanding as it is beneficial. It generates lot of strain on the Calves and Knees. Therefore, one should not jog on hard surface or tiles (chequered). Nothing should come between the Jogger and the Track.
That is why the Jogging Track surface is made using Eco-Flex rubberized polyurethane that has shock absorption properties to minimize stress level and reduce fatigue and help prevent unwanted injuries.
Hence, for works like these, experts from specialized departments with technical expertise should be consulted /involved.
As for the Snacks bar which is not really required at the Joggers Park but of course safe drinking water facility should be made available (not bottled).
I am told that during the time when Jogger’s are not jogging, the Joggers Park transforms into a Lover’s Park. It has also been reported that tour operators/ drivers take their guests (tourists) to the Joggers Park which provide good parking space for them and serves as photography point for tourists who despite restrictions use the height of the park to shoot the “Photography Prohibited Air Strip” of the VSI Airport, Port Blair.
The availability of Snacks will encourage more of such activities. If you still can’t see the future problem like the one at the Parking lot on the way to Marina Park where the PBMC had constructed two Snacks bar counter some years back. The conditions of the same can be inspected.
Now, if you still decide to set up the Snacks bar, then I can only request you to see that it is kept open only during jogging hours and also assure that all Snacks/eatable sold are all low fat, low calories and chemical free food & drinks.
Mukeshwar Lall