Equitable care

Sir — As with most aspects of life, women face severe prejudice in healthcare. Ailments that are specific to women were earlier written off by medical practitioners as hysteria. Not much has changed since then. Many doctors continue to dismiss legitimate health concerns raised by women by citing obesity, psychosomatic disorder, menopause and other gynaecological conditions. The medical community must understand that it is duty-bound to help all patients with equal empathy and care. Doctors need to earn their patients’ trust in order to treat them effectively.

Rishika Mohapatra,
Bhubaneswar

Too late

Sir — The prime minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, recently completed 1,000 days in office. On the same day, he offered a “wholehearted” apology before the House of Commons for attending an illegal party at his office, 10 Downing Street, during a lockdown (“Boris sorry for breaking Covid rules”, April 20). Johnson is suspected to have attended more such gatherings in government buildings.

The demand for Johnson’s resignation as prime minister is gaining momentum. He has already lost the support of many of his party members. Johnson could be forced to step down soon. He has lost the moral right to continue in office.

Jang Bahadur Singh,
Jamshedpur


Ominous signs

Sir — It was a hasty decision to relax Covid-19 restrictions in India. Some states are now witnessing a steady rise in the number of infections. Hearteningly, the Tamil Nadu government has realized its folly and has reintroduced Covid-19 safety protocols. The government must also hasten the process of administering booster doses. Political leaders should strictly follow safety norms and set an example for the common people.

N. Mahadevan,
Chennai

Sir — The rapid rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in several states, such as Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab, is cause for concern. People have become lax about safety protocols. The Centre as well as state governments should prepare themselves for a sudden surge in infections. Covid-19 restrictions should be implemented, once again, across the country. We cannot take this lightly.

D.V.G. Sankararao,
Nellimarla, Andhra Pradesh


Deep divide

Sir — Karnataka has been fraught with communal tensions of late — the hijab controversy, restriction on Muslim vendors at temples and religious fairs, and calls for banning halal meat. Recently, Prashanth Bangera of the Bharatha Rakshana Vedike appealed to Hindus not to take Muslim drivers when they go to temples or on pilgrimage. He has also asked Hindus to shun vehicles from transport companies that are owned by Muslims. This is ridiculous.

Jubel D’Cruz,
Mumbai


Sudden hike

Sir — Uber has increased its fare in several cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Calcutta and Delhi. There is no doubt that there has been an astronomical hike in fuel prices. But these revised fares are simply too high. State governments should widen the network of air-conditioned buses and perhaps come up with their own subsidized app cabs. This will help people immensely.

N. Hariharan,
Chennai


Parting shot

Sir — It is wonderful that scientists of the Zoological Survey of India have sighted the Satyr tragopan or crimson-horned pheasant — classified as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature — in the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary after 170 years (“Rare bird sighted after 170 years”, April 21). The reappearance of the bird is great news for all nature lovers.

Sourish Misra,
Calcutta