Physician agrees on needed improvements to health-care

A doctor writes to acknowledge the ongoing struggles of healthcare professionals in the country.

I would like to acknowledge and applaud The National on highlighting the many facets of the challenges we as health-care providers have to deal with on a daily basis, with regards to cancer care in the UAE (Doctors call for renewed efforts to fight cancer, October 5). Identification of these issues is an important first step. The fact that several haematologists and oncologists across the country have expressed themselves independently, and yet the fact that they are concordant in their views and concerns, reflects the importance and gravity of the situation. Bringing such issues to the attention of the Government and the public will help to facilitate improvisation in healthcare across the board, not just as it relates to cancer.

Tawam Hospital has historically been a centre for cancer care in the region (not just the UAE). There is a need to build and develop programmes across the country so that the needs of patients can be addressed locally. However, until that happens, we must determine ways to provide services to patients in a seamless and proficient manner. Although Tawam provides for nearly 85 per cent of all cancer care in the country, it does so often on a philanthropic basis. The governments of each of the emirates must unite to endorse a uniform, nationwide mechanism to provide for healthcare. The bottom line is funding. It is now time for us to regroup and systematically identify the healthcare needs of the society, and prioritise the allocation of resources accordingly. A governing body (such as the Emirates Oncology Society) would be a very good start.

Health-care has improved significantly in this country, especially as compared to neighbouring states in the region. There is always room for improvement, however. We must take the initiatives now to do so.

Sanjay R Jain, Chairman, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain

A great comedian will be missed 

Those of us of a certain age will remember the comedian Sir Norman Wisdom, who sadly died on Monday, with a smile. He was a great British comic actor, second only to Charlie Chaplin.

He had universal appeal and the characters he created, particularly Norman Pitkin and Mr Grimsdale, are comedy classics. I first saw Norman Wisdom, as he was then, at the London Palladium when I was just 10 years old. I had never laughed so much in my short life. I have been a fan ever since. My fondest memory is of Sir Norman in Abu Dhabi at the age of 85. I was his media minder during a visit to the UAE, as part of an Isle of Man delegation. During a round of golf, on a very hot, humid day, he teed off at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and nearly gave me a heart attack as he literally began running down the fairway after his ball like a demented teenager.

Later that evening, in a hotel bar in the city, he settled down to watch an England football match and was quickly surrounded by a bevy of pretty young ladies, all eager to catch his eye. Throughout the two days I spent in his company, he was a true gentleman, very accommodating, down to earth and very funny. He will be sadly missed.

Malcolm Ward, Dubai

Bachchan's award recalls his humility 

Congratulations to Amitabh Bachchan for winning the Best National Actor Award for his role in Paa. His win and humility reminds me of an incident in December of 1984.

The Howrah Mail had just clattered into the cold Allahabad station in Uttar Pradesh, India. It was 5.30am, but the town was quivering with life. In the streets, darkness shrouded the silhouettes of giant cut-outs of Mr Bachchan's face. Loudspeakers at various junctions were playing songs from his films. He had been elected to the lower house of India's parliament, with 68.2 per cent of the votes. There was a press conference later that afternoon, and since I had always admired his acting, I stayed on to catch a glimpse of him in real life.

Three hours before the conference, the hotel was encircled by rounds of policemen. Behind them, the crowd swarmed in hordes. Since I did not belong to the press, I was not permitted in the meeting hall. After the press conference, he was besieged by admirers. When I finally met him, I asked: "Can I have a photograph with you?" He sensed that I did not hail from Allahabad, and smiled inquiringly. "You see, no one will believe that I ever met you!" I explained.

Though he was being inundated he smiled again and said in his sonorous voice: "Come with me." He led me by the arm to a corner of the lawn and summoned all the photographers. When two of them started photographing us, he stopped them. He insisted that all five photographers be present and take our pictures. A wee gesture. But I was touched by his concern to ensure that all the photographers took pictures of us. It took me three months to finally get the photographs with him, but, I did!

Later, he went through various political and professional tumults. I was sorry when he resigned his parliament seat in 1987, just three years after his election. Perhaps it was because I had been with him and seen how joyous he was on the day he had won it.

Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai