Saturday, May 30, 2009

MEETINGS CANCELLED DUE TO HINI - Is there a need to be so paranoid?

This letter was published in the New Paper on Saturday 30 may 2009.

I have been following the developments of the Influenza A(H1NI ) closely and I feel that we should not allow such infections to take control of our lives.
We cannot afford to live in fear all our lives.

Experts have predicted that more new flu viruses are set to make their way into this globalised world.

If we are to be held for ransom by infections, our economy will suffer, our movements restricted and life will come to a virtual standstill.
Support groups that I am part of have stopped meetings because of the virus. Why? The problem is not within Singapore, it is from outside our country.

Is there a need to be so paranoid?

Like SARS, HINI was brought in from outside Singapore. The solution is to prevent diseases from entering Singapore. In it's long-term planning, I propose that the Government build quarantine hostels at Changi Airport where passengers who arrive from affected countries can be temporary housed here for a period of seven days.

Those infected with the virus can be immediately sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Under close observation, the spread of infectious diseases can be contained.

When there is no outbreak, these hostels can be used for passengers who want to have a rest before and after their flights.

There is nothing that cannot be done to improve our lives, and as Winston Churchill once said, “The pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

HELP FROM GOVERNMENT- MPs, leaders & CDCs must know needs


This letter was published in the NEW PAPER on Monday 18 May 2009.
I refer to the New Paper reports, “Angry at MP, boy slams chair” ( 6 May) and “More head or heart” (10 May).

Many Singaporeans are in dire need of assistance and it is not easy to secure help measures from the Government and other organisations.

My wife has a total of six illnesses, including schizophrenia, arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol, incontinence and colon problems.

I am also battling diabetes, high cholesterol and arthritis.

Being the sole caregiver to my wife for more than three decades is no easy feat and I have suffered burnout so many times.

The support structure for caregivers in Singapore, especially the mentally ill is very lacking.

Why are service providers and organisations that are supposed to help caregivers like us, not giving us the support that we so desperately need? I have raised this issue a few times.

Because of severe arthritis, my wife's mobility is severely impaired and she is also at risks of falling.

I have gone all over Singapore trying to secure some affordable and tasty cooked meals for us, but I just cannot get it.

Several weeks ago, I sought the assistance of a home for some cooked meals, but my appeal was rejected by its manager who could not empathise with my plight.

To stay in touch with the ground, Members of Parliament, their grassroots leaders and the community development councils should make regular house visits to residents, especially those who are sick and in dire need of help.

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO