Sir — Experts are of the opinion that the decision taken by the Donald Trump administration to prevent the hiring of foreign workers will hurt the American economy far more than it will affect Indians, and might push the Indian technology sector to finally start building at home. While this is encouraging, one wonders about the likelihood of this scenario given that all industries have shrunk on account of the pandemic. It is possible that in the absence of a US work permit, Indians might search for jobs in places that are still welcoming immigrants — such as Canada — rather than pin their hopes on the development of the Indian technology sector.

Ananya Saha,
New Delhi

Rather curious

Sir — It is unfortunate that many politicians have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, with the Union home minister, Amit Shah, being the latest (“Shah tests positive”, Aug 3). Others who have tested positive include the governor of Tamil Nadu, Banwarilal Purohit, as well as the chief minister of Karnataka, B.S. Yediyurappa. While we wish them a speedy recovery, it is interesting to note that most afflicted politicians sought treatment at some of the top ranked private hospitals in the country whereas ordinary citizens have been left at the mercy of government hospitals which are struggling to provide basic treatment. Does this then indicate that the ministers themselves do not have much faith in the treatment and care provided by the government hospitals?

If that is so, then the inevitable conclusion is that the lives of politicians are considered to be more precious than those of ordinary people. Had the political leaders been admitted to state-run hospitals, it would have strengthened the faith of citizens in these institutions. Irrespective of the quality of treatment, the middle class and the poor cannot afford to pay the exorbitant bills racked up by private hospitals and have no choice but to depend on state-run healthcare institutes.

Tharcius S. Fernando,
Chennai

Sir — Many politicians, including ministers at the Centre and the states, have tested positive for Covid-19. However, several, including Amit Shah — he has been admitted to the Medanta hospital — chose private institutions over government facilities for treatment. This has justly led to the Opposition questioning the reasons behind the decision.

This preference for private hospitals, however, brings into sharp focus the unfortunate reality of the country’s public healthcare system. It seems that few policy makers trust government institutions. Their choices in this hour of need will either strengthen or diminish public trust in government hospitals. Politicians must understand that public hospitals require the patronage of those in power to survive. If the hospitals are indeed not sufficiently equipped, then the government must acknowledge the deficiencies of the system and work towards overcoming them.

Venu G.S.,
Kollam, Kerala

Sir — It is unfortunate that the Union home minister, Amit Shah, has tested positive for Covid-19 and has been hospitalized. Shah had taken part in a cabinet meeting last week which was attended by other ministers, including the prime minister, Narendra Modi. Considering the rapid spread of the disease, was it a good idea for the prime minister to attend the bhoomi pujan ceremony for laying the foundation stone of the Ram temple in Ayodhya? While people have been assured that all social distancing norms had been maintained at the cabinet meeting, contact tracing is still one of the primary ways of restricting the transmission of the coronavirus. As such, the prime minister should have ideally quarantined himself for the required period of time.

Questions had been raised earlier over whether it is a good idea to hold such a large religious assembly at this time. The participation of political leaders in such events will send the wrong message to the masses who might deem it acceptable to gather in large crowds and attend social events. Could not the bhoomi pujan have been held virtually? At this time of unprecedented crisis, the safety of the people must take precedence.

S.K. Choudhury,
Bangalore

Sir — The coronavirus crisis in India — it is one of the worst affected countries in the world — has now reached the highest echelons of government with the Union home minister, Amit Shah, contracting the disease. However, his decision to opt for private treatment at the Medanta hospital over the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi has raised eyebrows. Does it mean that even AIIMS, which is considered to be one of the finest medical institutes in the country, is not equipped enough to properly treat Covid-19 patients? If that is so, then there is little hope for ordinary people to survive this pandemic.

Rohan Datta,
Calcutta