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Railways and Health:
Prof. Narendra Nayak |
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After providing transportation services to the population of this country, the
Indian railways have also gone into the filed of health services. Last June I
was surprised to see very bold flex prints in railway premises that Sin causes
disease(see DSCN1737). When queried, the
authorities had replied that these were put up in public interest. One could
understand the anxiety of these authorities to bring this latest
scientific research to the attention of the ignorant public that a really
dramatic, earth shaking discovery had been made that sin causes disease.
However, these were silent about treatment.
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Now, latest research has proven that a gadget can be a panacea. I had been
waiting in the waiting hall of the South Western railways at the Mysore Railway
station on the 25th of October and saw a gadget in the hall. This, being a
latest discovery in the field of medical science
has been now provided for the benefit of the railway travelers in general and
the upper class ones in particular. This promises to set right as many diseases
as that exist in medical test books except for a few about which we can see
later. It ensures good blood and lymph circulation. Going on, it ensures the
secretion of enzymes and harmones(sic) from all glands in the body. It increases
immunity, burns excess fat, keeps your body sleek and trim. It also influences
lipid metabolism by bringing down LDL cholesterol levels. Besides, it also
brings down miraculously LDL cholesterol levels, of course it does not say
anything about increasing HDL cholesterol, but since most of the lay public does
not understand that it has been left out!
Perhaps one can expect it to do that too. The contribution to the general
health of individual is very, very valuable to say the least. As already
mentioned above, it increases immunity and also prevents disorders and diseases.
One can expect to be immortal using this machine as it not only reverses ageing
but also provides freedom from fatal diseases. It also discharges toxic wastes
from the body effectively (probably through air as nothing has been said as to
how it is going to be accomplished). The fitness freaks have not been left out,
in fact they are told that it never makes you sweat, but you are always kept
fighting fit. It also promises exercise equal to hours jogging within 15 minutes
in the privacy of ones’ home. (Of course those who painted the blurb have
forgotten that the machine can be also kept in public places)! It also tones
muscles and keeps the body fit. What more can one desire? |
Going on, the diabetic and thyroid patients are not kept out. It promises
cures for both. In fact its miraculous effects can be felt both of the hypo and
hyperthyroid patients-both the types would become euthyroid. Patients of
myocardial infarction or heart attack take heart, you can be totally cured by
this machine. Psychiatric illnesses the bane of the modern society can be also
effectively dealt with by this gadget. It promises cure from insomnia, tension
and myriad of other mental illnesses. Having benefited so many, how can blood
pressure be ignored? In fact it is of benefit to those with hyper and
hypotension in case of the former it will decrease it to normal levels while the
latter can expect an increase to the normal. For those who have not known the
machine and hence have fallen prey to disease there is nothing to worry- it also
speeds up the healing process! The neurological patients need not felt out left
out, it cures paralysis and diabetic neuritis. The respiratory system has not
been ignored- relief from allergy, dry cough etc are also indicated on the
blurb.
For those who may think that this comes at a heavy price, there is a
surprise. It costs only Rs.5 for a 15 minute use which is equal to a 5 kms jog.
The instructions are simple insert a five rupee coin hold on to the handles on
the side and it will do the rest. Well for those who are prone to think that it
is the solution to all of our health problems- you are wrong. It is not. Like
all good things there are some exceptions to our cure all gadget- it cannot be
used by women in menstruation, pregnancy, menorrhagia , those with skin
dissases(sic). Besides, the ones with metal implants, pace makers, those
suffering from cancer, TB, malignant tumours (in fact those who had not come to
know of the wonderful effects of this well in time) cannot be cured and are
specifically barred from using it. Again, those who have consumed alcohol are
also on the barred category( perhaps because it may bring done the intoxication
levels and you know how alcoholics are- they may ask for money back and
compensation for the money they spent on drinks too!).
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Last heard of, the railways are planning to buy these machines and close down
their hospitals. They are also planning to install one at the Railway Minister
Didi’s house to keep her in good health. Well, I plead guilty. My interest in
this machine and the taking of photographs got one person interested in it. He
frantically hunted for a five rupee coin which was finally given to him in
exchange for loose change by the waiting room attendant, clutched the handles
inserted the coin and waited for the miracle to happen. When the process was
over, I mustered the courage to ask him whether he was relieved of anything. He
said I don’t know about any other things, but I was surely relieved of my five
rupees!
Coming to the serious issues, should the railways promote such dubious
gadgets in their premises? Is there no accountability for such claims? Such
claims are an offence under the MRTP act (now defunct), The consumer protection
act (still in force), the drugs and magic
remedies objectionable advertisements act and a number of others. Should the
railways allow such gadgets to be kept in their premises to
mislead the public? The railways who claim to have a number of regulations to
prevent customers from being cheated should pay attention to things like this
too.
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Dated Nov 4, 2010 |
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