I refer to the article Adec calls for help to lift health of pupils, October 30).
I think the effort should start by banning junk food in schools and serving proper breakfast and lunch in Adec schools.
Teachers can teach children about healthy lifestyles, but those lessons must be supported by serving nutritious food to them.
The next step could be to educate parents and explain that Mountain Dew and Hot Cheetos are not proper breakfast foods.
Name withheld by request
SKMC’s health role
I refer to the news report SKMC has shut doors to expats (October 29).
SKMC was originally built for Emiratis. The purpose was to lessen the burden on the health care system by treating them here, instead of having to send them abroad for non-availability of facilities. The health care system has improved since and the government has built a huge hospital in Mafraq, which will be open for all. This is in addition to numerous private hospitals and health care facilities in every locality. This will allow the hospital to put its resources on specialist treatment.
SKMC will still offer specialist treatment to those who cannot get it in other hospitals and the paediatric section will still be open to expatriates. Also, the emergency will treat anyone.
Tina Al Qubaisi, Abu Dhabi
This hospital saved my daughter’s life. I’m shocked to hear that such a decision was made. I hope it will be reversed.
Elaine D'Arcy, Abu Dhabi
It’s a hospital, so everyone must be welcome to be cared for.
Iyachump Nu, Abu Dhabi
I think this decision will only make matters worse. After all, SKMC is the best in the city. Don’t we all deserve the best for our families?
Bridgette Whisenand, Abu Dhabi
UK Olympics has lessons for Dubai
Najeeb Al Ali, the Expo 2020 adviser, is right in saying that "it is a challenge not having a precedent to follow to make the project green" (Future of Dubai needs 2020 vision, October 28).
Perhaps the work done to make the 2012 London Olympics the “greenest Games ever” could provide some lessons. Although the Expo 2020 and the Olympics are different events, they share many similar characteristics and some of London’s successes in making the event more sustainable than previous Olympics could be applied to the Expo.
The bid for Expo 2020 made significant reference to sustainability and it will be important to see this translated into action to make the event the success that it can be.
Volker Soppelsa, Dubai
Dubai Metro needs attention
This isn’t the first time that commuters have been stranded at metro stations due to a technical glitch that disrupted the train services and caused delays (Metro line delay after breakdown, October 30).
This is a serious cause for concern for the authorities and the RTA. It is time that a contingency plan is formulated to prevent such crisis situations from reoccurring.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Dubai insurance move laudable
Dubai's move is laudable (Deadline day to provide health cover, October 30). Finally we will stop hearing about people inundated with bills they can't pay. Also, Dubai must try to control the cost of health care.
Name withheld by request
It’s hardly a great place to come and work if the employee has to cover health bills. It would cause great hardship for some. So it’s a great initiative by the government.
Jen Bishop, Abu Dhabi
Corruption hurts South Africa
The elimination of stars in South Africa's fledgling sports industry, where trophies and medals are scarcer than fatalities, is a slow nail in the coffin in a country trying to get recognition after isolation due to its past segregation policy (South Africa football captain Senzo Meyiwa shot and killed, October 27).
The diminution of talent is reflective of a society that has taken murder and other crimes as part and parcel of the new freedom post-1994.
Remedial action, starting from the top, with corruption an “ancillary” contributor to this malaise, is now of utmost importance.
AR Modak, South Africa
