Urgent action needed

The killing of two Lankan fishermen by Somali pirates is a matter for grave concern and something that calls for immediate action by the Government. Lankans being held captive by Somali pirates among others is becoming all too common these days and precautionary measures are called for.

Somalia is today in a state of anarchy with no effective Government in control. Therefore there is doubt if the matter could be taken up through diplomatic channels. There is therefore a need to canvass this issue in a broader international forum. This is because the sway held by Somali pirates in the world's maritime lanes is affecting international shipping and in turn could pose a serious security threat to all.

This is because these pirates could be hired by international terrorist groups for more sinister projects to destabilize countries and be a potent arm in the global terrorists network. The present political chaos in the Middle East could also be exploited by such forces using the strategic points currently manned by these pirates.

This is not the first time that Lankans suffered under the hands of the pirates. There were many instances where our seamen were among those held captive by these Somali pirates. According to reports the two Lankan fishermen who left the Mirissa Fisheries Harbour on January 4 for deep sea fishing have been shot dead by these pirates and their bodies thrown to the sea. The pirates it was reported had subsequently regretted their action. But this is poor consolation for the families of these fishermen and also raises the question if our deep-sea fishermen would be able venture out far into the ocean as freely given the lurking threat. After all the pirates are known to prey only on cargo vessels and to shoot at a group of innocent fishermen indicates the seriousness of the danger.

As mentioned, these pirates could also be deployed by interested parties to stir trouble in the sensitive parts of the world where tensions are brewing and military exercises are carried out in strategic sea lanes. Thus the threat posed by the Somali pirates are multi-dimensional that also concerns maritime security. It only needs a tiny spark to ignite a large-scale conflagration among countries who are poised for war and the presence of sea pirates on vital maritime routes could only serve to exacerbate tensions.

Our External Affairs Ministry should take up this matter as a top priority at international fora and underline the need for collective action to rid the seas of the menace of pirates, because this could have a catalectic effect on certain groups with a mercenary bent to follow the example, with grave consequences.

Regulating private healthcare

The move by the Health Ministry to set up a monitoring mechanism to rope in private hospitals which overcharge patients is indeed a commendable move which in fact is long overdue. According to Minister Maithripala Sirisena a 12 member Committee is to be set up to look into the matter and also to amend the Private Medical Institutions Regulatory Act with the obvious intention of allowing some form of Government supervision over these private hospitals. The Minister had also pointed out that the absence of Government intervention had allowed patients to be at the mercy of private hospitals.

How true. Today Private hospitals are virtually a law unto themselves and charge patients arbitrarily. Not only the doctors' fees of the visiting physicians and other specialists but patients have to pay the unbelievable sums for the various medical tests carried out at these hospitals. The patients suffer in silence with no recourse to justice. For them it is hobson's choice.

True, these 'Star Class' hospitals have on their roster the best medical practitioners and specialists and provide the right ambience that attract patients who would rather spend money to be treated at these hospitals which delivers a quicker more efficient service than endure the hassles and discomfort at State Hospitals which although has the cream of the doctors are stiflingly crowded and wanting in many comforts and facilities.

This is the main reason why private hospitals attract more patients not to mention the lengthy personalised attention by the medical staff, though at a price. We are here by no means finding fault with private hospitals. They have heavy overheads and staff bills to contend with not to mention maintaining the Star class status of their hospitals. What is suggested is that these hospitals maintain a sense of proportion when charging their patients.

The Minister revealed that a certain private hospital charged Rs 100,000 for a pint of blood from a retired Health Official but later withdrew the bill when it was pointed out that blood was given free to all private hospitals by the National Blood Centre.

It is to such disproportionate and unconscionable profits that one objects to.