It is often reported that many healthy individuals are treated for serious and fife threatening diseases such as AIDS, TB or Cancer due to faulty diagnosis based on single pathological result or oversensitive medial diagnostic tools. Unfortunately for the patients, most of the time poor patients without financial support/medical insurance, the treatment starts, without confirmatory tests. Patients are made to undergo surgery where surgery is not really indicated.
One of the recent instances reported is a lady misdiagnosed for HIV and received treatment for almost 9 years before discovering she never actually had the virus that causes AIDS. In court, Jury awarded her US$2.5 million in damages. Similarly, non-carcinogenic growths are treated for cancer, some of the lung conditions are treated for tuberculosis, etc. The patients are made to live with the stigma for years, sometimes away from their family members.
Who is responsible for such incidents? Major responsibility lies with the medical doctor who decides on the line of treatment. He may be careless in suggesting the treatment without confirmation, greedy for money, lack of adequate interaction with the patient, not having the necessary expertise, lack of infrastructure availability for investigation, etc. A person working in Cement factory need not have lung cancer. It may be just inflammation of the lungs.
How to avoid such instances? One measure I can think of is stringent laws to prosecute such erring doctors and laboratories, free legal help for the poor from NGOs to fight in courts, and more important is the medical ethics which is missing these days.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Malaysia today
Malaysia is one of the south-east Asia's most vibrant economies. It is supposed to be very secular, in spite of the fact that it is an Islamic republic with a majority of muslim population in most of its states and an economically-powerful Chinese and not so well off Indian communities. It is one of the region's most popular key tourist destinations, offering excellent beaches, brilliant scenery and dense rainforests in the eastern states.
Ethnic Malays comprise some 60% of the population. Chinese constitute around 25%; Indians around 10% and indigenous peoples make up the rest. The communities used to coexist in relative harmony.
Now, the country is facing serious challenge - politically in the form of sustaining stability in the face of religious differences. The country seems to come under the influence of muslim religious fundamentalists. The Indian communities, living in Malaysia for generations, are targeted. The Tamils seem to be facing racial discrimination. It is time that the rulers take measures to protect the country from international criticism for human right violations, which will ultimately affect one of the major money earning industries for the country, i.e. tourism.
Ethnic Malays comprise some 60% of the population. Chinese constitute around 25%; Indians around 10% and indigenous peoples make up the rest. The communities used to coexist in relative harmony.
Now, the country is facing serious challenge - politically in the form of sustaining stability in the face of religious differences. The country seems to come under the influence of muslim religious fundamentalists. The Indian communities, living in Malaysia for generations, are targeted. The Tamils seem to be facing racial discrimination. It is time that the rulers take measures to protect the country from international criticism for human right violations, which will ultimately affect one of the major money earning industries for the country, i.e. tourism.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Ethanol contributes more to global warming than gasoline
Global warming due to emission of GHGs from transportation vehicles is an issue of great concern globally. To cut down on the emission of greenhouse gases, finding alternative to the traditional transportation fuels like diesel and petrol is a continuing process worldwide. Countries are going for ethanol- gasoline mix for use in vehicles to reduce environmental pollution. Ethanol is supposed to be cheaper and much environmentally cleaner fuel than the petroleum products. Several countries, including US, Sweden, Brazil and Australia are already produce cars which run on petrol-ethanol blends. For example, 30% of vehicular fuel produced in Brazil is ethanol.
However, if one considers the entire fuel cycle, there is, in fact, increase in the weighted GHG emissions (emissions in moles of carbon dioxide per vehicle mile traveled x global warming potential per mole relative to carbon dioxide) if one switches from gasoline (10.71) to ethanol (13.88). It is also reported that ethanol from corn produces the largest nitrous oxide emissions (another GHG) across the total fuel cycle.
Thus, it can be concluded that except that it is cheaper, from the consideration of global warming, contribution from ethanol for global warming seems to be higher than gasoline. In fact, use of LPG (8.61) and CNG (9.03) contribute less as compared to ethanol (13.88) to the global warming. Then, why ethanol mix?
However, if one considers the entire fuel cycle, there is, in fact, increase in the weighted GHG emissions (emissions in moles of carbon dioxide per vehicle mile traveled x global warming potential per mole relative to carbon dioxide) if one switches from gasoline (10.71) to ethanol (13.88). It is also reported that ethanol from corn produces the largest nitrous oxide emissions (another GHG) across the total fuel cycle.
Thus, it can be concluded that except that it is cheaper, from the consideration of global warming, contribution from ethanol for global warming seems to be higher than gasoline. In fact, use of LPG (8.61) and CNG (9.03) contribute less as compared to ethanol (13.88) to the global warming. Then, why ethanol mix?
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Unfair Business by LG, Electronics, Noida, India
I have a complaint with the company, LG Electronics, Noida, India and I have been trying to get in touch with them and sort out the problem. I find it impossible to lodge on-line complaint. It is impossible to send Email through the Email address given (lgservice@lgindia.com). Everything is so cleverly done with an intention of ensuring that no complaint is reached the right person.
The gift items promised while purchasing a LG PC from PC Solutions, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, by the company is still pending since last one year. It is not possible to make any contact with the company to sort this out.
This is clearly a case of unfair business practice which needs to be condemned.
The gift items promised while purchasing a LG PC from PC Solutions, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, by the company is still pending since last one year. It is not possible to make any contact with the company to sort this out.
This is clearly a case of unfair business practice which needs to be condemned.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Salt pan lands for mass housing?
Over 3 lakhs people (about 80,000 households) from about 276 acres of land around Santa Cruz Airport, Mumbai, India are being relocated on salt pan land around Mumbai. The land thus freed up will be used for infrastructure development at the airport. The state government, in collusion with the big builders has been eying the salt pan lands for some time.
Thousands of acres of salt pan land around Mumbai have serving as natural sponges that absorb excessive rain water and help to prevent flooding during rainy season. The same land during summer months is used to catch the saline water from the sea during high tides and the water trapped in the salt pan lands is allowed to evaporate to get the salt. The government also finds it easy now to get the salt pan lands since the land belongs to the government. The government’s moves to develop this land for mass housing schemes may be suicidal from environmental considerations.
There are pockets of mangroves which also will be destroyed in the process. The situation is similar in Navi Mumbai, a satellite city, where thousands of acres of mangroves are likely to be destroyed for the infrastructure development program. Since there is a ban on cutting mangroves, the concerned agencies are seeking Bombay High Court’s clearance for the purpose. The concerned ministry promises to replant and restore the mangroves for compensating the loss!
Is it possible to restore the natural mangrove habitat? The mangroves are developed over the years naturally by tidal process and flood water hold up during rainy season. It is not like a kitchen garden. Any large scale intervention in the eco-system in the costal areas may result in irreversible and undesirable environmental consequences.
Thousands of acres of salt pan land around Mumbai have serving as natural sponges that absorb excessive rain water and help to prevent flooding during rainy season. The same land during summer months is used to catch the saline water from the sea during high tides and the water trapped in the salt pan lands is allowed to evaporate to get the salt. The government also finds it easy now to get the salt pan lands since the land belongs to the government. The government’s moves to develop this land for mass housing schemes may be suicidal from environmental considerations.
There are pockets of mangroves which also will be destroyed in the process. The situation is similar in Navi Mumbai, a satellite city, where thousands of acres of mangroves are likely to be destroyed for the infrastructure development program. Since there is a ban on cutting mangroves, the concerned agencies are seeking Bombay High Court’s clearance for the purpose. The concerned ministry promises to replant and restore the mangroves for compensating the loss!
Is it possible to restore the natural mangrove habitat? The mangroves are developed over the years naturally by tidal process and flood water hold up during rainy season. It is not like a kitchen garden. Any large scale intervention in the eco-system in the costal areas may result in irreversible and undesirable environmental consequences.
Friday, August 31, 2007
PRODUCT REVIEW – Savlon bathing soap
Product: Savlon bathing soap with glycerin marketed by Johnson & Johnson, Mumbai, India
My family has been using the above soap for a long time now. It started off well. For the first time, lower middleclass in India got an opportunity to use “Pears”-like soap, of course, a little less transparent than Pears, for the cost of an ordinary bathing soap and freedom from germs as advertised by the company. Over time, the cost of the soap cake steadily went up by about 40%, only the packing has changed each time.
The major issue of concern with the soap is it has not improved over time. It still looses it’s transparency within a day or two of opening the wrapper/pack, probably due to hydrolysis of sodium compounds present as ingredients. Amount of frothing reduces, it becomes soggy, too soft and breaks down even when only 50% of the cake is consumed. This is very much evident during rainy season or when the humidity is very high. With other soaps, this breakdown occurs with the last 10-20% of soap cake remaining.
The company should ensure that the bathing soap should not loose its properties during its full use. The product Savlon needs to be tested in all seasons and rectify this undesirable and avoidable problem.
My family has been using the above soap for a long time now. It started off well. For the first time, lower middleclass in India got an opportunity to use “Pears”-like soap, of course, a little less transparent than Pears, for the cost of an ordinary bathing soap and freedom from germs as advertised by the company. Over time, the cost of the soap cake steadily went up by about 40%, only the packing has changed each time.
The major issue of concern with the soap is it has not improved over time. It still looses it’s transparency within a day or two of opening the wrapper/pack, probably due to hydrolysis of sodium compounds present as ingredients. Amount of frothing reduces, it becomes soggy, too soft and breaks down even when only 50% of the cake is consumed. This is very much evident during rainy season or when the humidity is very high. With other soaps, this breakdown occurs with the last 10-20% of soap cake remaining.
The company should ensure that the bathing soap should not loose its properties during its full use. The product Savlon needs to be tested in all seasons and rectify this undesirable and avoidable problem.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM MOBILES
It is true that mobile phones have brought in revolution in telecommunications industry. The expected mobile phone usage in India is projected to be 500 million (half of the population) within a short period of time. As per the recent reports, of the service providers are planning to erect over 90,000 base stations all over India to meet the ever increasing demand from rural areas! The scenario is not different in other countries.
Communication between a mobile phone and the nearest base station is achieved by the microwave emissions from the transmitters connected to the antennas mounted at the base stations. These base stations are erected on top of buildings or specially built towers. There is much apprehension worldwide about the long-term health effects due to the exposure of people residing near the base stations and the mobile phone users to the radiofrequency emissions. Health effects such as heating of the exposed tissues, increased risk of malignant tumors (cancers) in the head and ears, genetic effects due to exposure of body cells to the radiofrequency (RF) radiations, etc. are reported in the literature. Indirect effect, which is more visible, is increase in the road accidents due to mobile usage during driving. In all probability, this is more dangerous than drunken driving.
Keeping in mind of the above uncertainties, scanty nature of the studies and the gaps in our knowledge about the health effects, it is advised to keep the exposures to RF radiations much below the prescribed international guidelines. Since children are more sensitive to the radiation, mobiles should be kept away from children. Mobiles are often given to children to play by the ever obliging parents.
There is a need for strict regulation to ensure that the manufacturers of the mobile phones maintain the radiation emission levels of the mobiles much lower than the standards. The base stations should be shared among the service providers to minimize the required number of base stations. Base stations near schools and crowded areas should be avoided. There should be a dedicated regulatory body for strict regulation of the mobile phone usage. The regulators should periodically monitor the ambient RF levels near the base stations for checking compliance with the set limits.
Communication between a mobile phone and the nearest base station is achieved by the microwave emissions from the transmitters connected to the antennas mounted at the base stations. These base stations are erected on top of buildings or specially built towers. There is much apprehension worldwide about the long-term health effects due to the exposure of people residing near the base stations and the mobile phone users to the radiofrequency emissions. Health effects such as heating of the exposed tissues, increased risk of malignant tumors (cancers) in the head and ears, genetic effects due to exposure of body cells to the radiofrequency (RF) radiations, etc. are reported in the literature. Indirect effect, which is more visible, is increase in the road accidents due to mobile usage during driving. In all probability, this is more dangerous than drunken driving.
Keeping in mind of the above uncertainties, scanty nature of the studies and the gaps in our knowledge about the health effects, it is advised to keep the exposures to RF radiations much below the prescribed international guidelines. Since children are more sensitive to the radiation, mobiles should be kept away from children. Mobiles are often given to children to play by the ever obliging parents.
There is a need for strict regulation to ensure that the manufacturers of the mobile phones maintain the radiation emission levels of the mobiles much lower than the standards. The base stations should be shared among the service providers to minimize the required number of base stations. Base stations near schools and crowded areas should be avoided. There should be a dedicated regulatory body for strict regulation of the mobile phone usage. The regulators should periodically monitor the ambient RF levels near the base stations for checking compliance with the set limits.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Unfair selling practice by LG, India
LG Electronics (Greater Noida, India) is yet to comply with its obligation of sending the promised items (October, 2006) while purchasing LG-XDT PC – N14CRP1 (610NLCP001539) through their dealer “PC Solutions”, Indraprastha Shopping Complex, Sector 29, Vashi, Navi Mumbai 400 703 (invoice no. 846, dated 13 Oct. 2006). The so called Hungama items are: Sunglasses, My class teacher CD pack, special extended Festive warranty, Free Holiday Package and 10 Infotainment CDs Pack. Only item I received from the dealer is a cheap T-shirt, which was not there in the list of promised items. Many reminders were sent to the company. No reply. The government consumer body at Delhi, CORE Centre also tried to intervene without any success. If the Indian Govt. organization can not get a reply, what sort of support consumers can expect in fighting this type of unfair trade gimmick? Similar ads are continuously appears in the news papers. Promises remain as promises.
NUKES FOR PEACEFUL APPLICATIONS
India is now an emerging as an important develop(ed) nation to reckon with, topping with an impressive growth rate in GDP of over 9%. However, the growth rate likely to be hampered due to the acute likely shortfall of power to meet the projected growth. From the considerations of global warming, any augmentation to the power grid should be from a source which is environmental friendly. Nuclear power has a bright future as a proved clean energy source. No significant greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, there is an urgent need to increase the nuclear power contribution to meet the total requirements. Existing reactors urgently need uranium fuel to work in full steam. Indian reactors are standardized PHWR reactors, which use natural uranium as the fuel.
In view of the Indian three stage nuclear power development program, the major part of the plutonium from the commercial power reactor spent-fuel reprocessing needs to be deployed for nuclear fuel manufacture for use in the forthcoming more efficient type of reactors like Fast Breeder Reactors for power generation. Use of plutonium in weapons is only one of the many applications of the fissile material.
What about safety? Similar to X-rays, nuclear radiations are also invisible but can be detected by simple electronic instruments. Everybody is aware of the fact that radiations like X-rays and gamma rays are extensively used for medical applications to diagnose diseases of various types and to treat cancer patients. Under such situations, the exposure is given under highly controlled manner, and the procedures are regulated by a separate national regulatory body. In high exposure situations, like accidents, there is a likelihood of health of the exposed persons being affected. By any count, one can never identify nuclear power as a hazardous and accident prone energy source. Actual data also shows that the nuclear power is much safer than other energy sources.
Everyone knows that coal-based power plants are highly polluting and one should be aware of the alarming global warming effects already felt and seen worldwide. Yes, the management of radioactive waste continues to be an emotional subject. It is proved beyond any doubt technically or otherwise that the waste can now be safely managed. One can see that it is definitely managed far better and safely than the much more hazardous chemical and biological hospital wastes.
To meet the power requirement of the next few years, the government should provide full support to private industries to develop the clean renewable sources such as wind, geothermal, solar power and even nuclear power. Public Private Partnership should work wonderfully well. There is also an urgent need for arranging more and more awareness programs to sensitize the public with regard to the benefits and risks of radiation applications in a focused manner. It is a fact that even the educated lot is ignorant about the benefits and risks of radiation and hence there is a need to make them aware of the facts so that policy decisions are taken purely on the basis of merits, keeping environmental safety in mind.
In view of the Indian three stage nuclear power development program, the major part of the plutonium from the commercial power reactor spent-fuel reprocessing needs to be deployed for nuclear fuel manufacture for use in the forthcoming more efficient type of reactors like Fast Breeder Reactors for power generation. Use of plutonium in weapons is only one of the many applications of the fissile material.
What about safety? Similar to X-rays, nuclear radiations are also invisible but can be detected by simple electronic instruments. Everybody is aware of the fact that radiations like X-rays and gamma rays are extensively used for medical applications to diagnose diseases of various types and to treat cancer patients. Under such situations, the exposure is given under highly controlled manner, and the procedures are regulated by a separate national regulatory body. In high exposure situations, like accidents, there is a likelihood of health of the exposed persons being affected. By any count, one can never identify nuclear power as a hazardous and accident prone energy source. Actual data also shows that the nuclear power is much safer than other energy sources.
Everyone knows that coal-based power plants are highly polluting and one should be aware of the alarming global warming effects already felt and seen worldwide. Yes, the management of radioactive waste continues to be an emotional subject. It is proved beyond any doubt technically or otherwise that the waste can now be safely managed. One can see that it is definitely managed far better and safely than the much more hazardous chemical and biological hospital wastes.
To meet the power requirement of the next few years, the government should provide full support to private industries to develop the clean renewable sources such as wind, geothermal, solar power and even nuclear power. Public Private Partnership should work wonderfully well. There is also an urgent need for arranging more and more awareness programs to sensitize the public with regard to the benefits and risks of radiation applications in a focused manner. It is a fact that even the educated lot is ignorant about the benefits and risks of radiation and hence there is a need to make them aware of the facts so that policy decisions are taken purely on the basis of merits, keeping environmental safety in mind.
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