EARL'S WORLD

EARL’S WORLD----14
INCREDIBLE INDIA----Indeed it is. Having docked here in Chennia for the past 6 days and explored the city (India’s fourth largest) and the south coast the only word that comes to mind is “excessive”. The burden of over-population is apparent everywhere, the city streets, the beaches, the parks, even the countryside is laden with people. Streets and highways are bound tight with motor cycles, scooters, bikes, pedestrians, trucks and buses. There is color however, especially the women in their bright sari. Men are in their white shirts and shorts or trousers. South of the city the huge, new manufacturing plants appear reflecting globalization: Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, and auto plants: GM, Tata,
Hyundia. Employees are transported by packed Ashkon-Leyland buses.
Over population is still the number one social problem in the country in spite of the government’s efforts to control it for the past 30 years. The “one child per family” has failed where it has somewhat succeeded is China. Birth control measures are available free in India. Abortion has been available since 1970. In spite of these measures India will succeeded China in a few years with over 1.3 billion people.
Medical services in India are exceptionally good by world standards. All are covered by either private or government insurance. The government doesn’t run the hospitals but does provide insurance for the poor. India has a public-private partnership.
The Medical schools are excellent and many physicians are practicing in other countries, including the US. ----Earl.