Don't treat, please prevent
Finally we realise the importance of preventing cervical cancer before it starts ("Abu Dhabi to vaccinate girls against cancer", Gulf News, February 5). A vaccination programme for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a paediatric issue and needs to be addressed by all paediatricians and gynaecologists alike. Let's start with prevention. Vaccinations are key to the demise of many diseases of our past, and if we can eradicate disease like small pox, we are doing our jobs as doctors.
From Dr Alya Ahmad
Dubai
Real concerns
I have real concerns over the first sentence in the report in which the words "controversial cervical cancer vaccine" are used. Whilst a minority has expressed concerns that the vaccine will promote promiscuity, there is good evidence from published studies that such strategies, which deal with sensitive sexual issues, do not result in increased promiscuous behaviour. It is my sincere belief that the public will view the use of the term "controversial" adversely, when we are trying hard to give them accurate and consistent information on a strategy that has tremendous benefit.
From Mr David W. Saxton
Abu Dhabi
A step forward
In our current time, this is a victorious feat in recognising the importance of women's health. I congratulate the authorities on this amendment that was long overdue.
From Mr Sunny Sawhney
UK
Increase frequency
Many passengers depend on public transport like buses to reach their offices in the morning, especially between 7.30am and 9am. As a resident of Bur Dubai, I've noticed that most people in the area have to wait for at least 30 to 40 minutes before getting a bus. Many a time, the bus arrives after a long wait only to be full of passengers.
Sometimes, four buses come together and only the first might stop. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should increase the frequency of buses during the morning rush hours so that passengers can reach office on time.
From Mr Robin V. Thomas
Dubai
Changing times
With this year's winter in the UAE lasting longer than usual, I would like to request the educational authorities to consider changing the school timings during such harsh weather. I've noticed young children shiver in the cold, almost every morning, as they wait for their buses. Exposure to these conditions is causing many to fall sick. Considering school timings in winter would no doubt change and protect their health.
From Mr M. Hariharan
Abu Dhabi
Seats for ladies
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) must consider separate buses for women or at least allocate specific seats in the existing buses. I have observed certain women being uncomfortable while travelling by bus. Though the new "C1" buses are spacious, they have only a few seats reserved for women. This is an issue faced by most working women using public bus transport.
From Ms Maria Mercedes
Dubai
Double the cost
I needed to send some money back home to Indonesia and therefore decided to take the easy route and requested my bank to transfer the amount. They quoted the service charges, which though astronomical, I readily accepted as I was in a hurry. However, when I received my next bank statement I found I was charged twice the said amount! On asking, I was informed that as the transfer was to a bank outside my bank's group, the charges had been doubled. Unbelievable!
From Mr Nick Westwood
Abu Dhabi
Being accountable
Dogs are not a problem but suffer due to ignorant or irresponsible owners. I don't see a point of owning an aggressive breed if it's not needed for guarding. It sickens me to see the way animals are treated. People should be responsible towards the environment if they keep pets. Thankfully, we responsible pet owners can have our pets with us to give some sense of "normalcy" to our lives.
From Ms Nikita Fuller
Dubai
Missing buses
I would like to suggest to the authorities concerned to provide people with the list of licence plate numbers that belong to the missing buses ("Sharjah firm shuts down, vanishes with 70 buses", Gulf News, February 4). This might assist those involved in finding the missing buses.
From Mr Pradeep Samuel
Dubai
The traffic cycle
Due to the current traffic scenario, a bus ride to the office between Bur Dubai and Deira, which amounts to 10 kilometres, usually takes me over an hour. Additionally, the under-pressure taxi drivers, simply do not stop for passengers in my locality. In the end, I had no choice but to squeeze my already strained budget and buy a car. This adds another car on our congested roads and simply delays more buses! Can't solutions like restricted bus lanes, area-assigned taxis and car pools be considered in Dubai?
From Mr A. Fernandes
Dubai
Revalue dirham
Considering the state of the American economy and the ongoing reduction in the US interest rates, which has a direct impact on our interest rates, the UAE has no option but to revalue the dirham ("Dirham could be revalued: DCCI", Gulf News, February 5). Incidentally, this has happened before, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The rate was then Dh4.12 for each dollar and was changed to the present rate.
From Mr Hamid Haboubi
Dubai
