TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2026
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Medical progress without equal access

It is fascinating to learn that the brain’s white matter can be compared to the optical fibres in the vast networks that power the internet. Whether modern lifestyles and the rise of artificial intelligence or AGI will have an impact on these neural “fibres” is something that an expert neurosurgeon can properly study and explain.

It is heartening and encouraging to know that many hospitals in our country are showing a strong rise in medical excellence. Breakthrough surgeries taking place in India reflect the country’s growing status as a global healthcare destination. However, this also highlights an uncomfortable reality. World-class care is often within reach only for the wealthy, while the poor and middle-class population must deal with an uneven system where quality care depends more on financial capacity than on medical need.

If India wants to become a truly inclusive healthcare leader, the government must introduce affordable health insurance for the poor and middle class, especially for costly surgeries that are beyond the reach of the common person. Government hospitals must also be strengthened so that they can match private hospitals in the quality of medical care.

Strong and affordable public healthcare facilities will serve the majority and also create healthy competition in the sector. Excellence should never be a privilege for a few. It must become a national promise. Compassionate, community-based healthcare can achieve remarkable results, because medical science is not only about treatment, but also about emotional and social care.


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Helmet rule for pillion riders adds to commuter burden

Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Published Jan 17, 2026, 11:07 PM IST
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Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, while replying to a starred question jointly tabled in the House on Wednesday by Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira and other opposition leaders, said that the Department of Transport will soon issue a circular making it mandatory for both riders and pillion riders to wear helmets across the State.While road safety is important, this move is likely to place an additional burden on many people, especially those who regularly use two-wheelers for daily…

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