Dear Sir,
I went to the Umm Ghwailina Primary Health Centre a couple of days ago. I reached there at 6.45am and found a queue of patients of different age groups, consisting of both nationals and expatiates, waiting outside the entrance door which was closed. It was quite hot even in the morning and some of those standing in the queue were sweating and visibly uncomfortable. One elderly gentleman was looking desperately for a place to sit down.
Security people informed us that as the clinic started at 7am, the door would also open only at that time.
Though the clinic’s working hours start at 7am, patients may be allowed in at least half an hour before so that they could wait in an air-conditioned area. The clinic’s reception area is large enough to accommodate a number of people. As people visiting the clinic are sick, they should not be kept waiting outside in this hot weather. They could be dehydrated as the humidity remains high these days.
Among the people waiting in the queue that morning, there were people with different medical problems, including diabetics.
Health centres are meant for looking after people’s wellness; therefore, I request the authorities concerned to allow the security staff to open the entrance door of all clinics at least 30 minutes in advance of the working hours and let the patients enter inside and wait in the reception area. This will help them to be relaxed ahead of seeing their doctors.
O Balakrishnan
(Address supplied)
Apple worries unfounded
Dear Sir,
In reference to the letters, “Wax-coating on apples” (Gulf Times, July 25), I would say that the writer’s worries are unfounded.
First of all, please understand that apple is one of the fruits that produces its own wax. According to a website, “the natural wax produced by the apple serves several vital roles. It helps apples resist moisture loss, enhances the fruit firmness and slows down their natural degradation.”
It says the waxy coating can appear milky sometimes, but if you rub it gently, you can actually get it to shine. “The natural wax on the fruit of the apple contains about 50 individual components belonging to at least half a dozen chemical groups. The major cyclic component of apple fruit wax is called ursolic acid and is highly water-repellent. Research has shown that ursolic acid is capable of inhibiting various types of cancer cells and can serve as a starting material for synthesis of more potent bioactive compounds such as antitumour agents,” it further says. That natural wax may even be good for you!
And to the question: Is additional wax added to fruits and vegetables? The same website replies: “In some situations, additional food-grade wax is added to the outside of the produce to augment the fruit’s natural waxy covering. Food-grade wax is safe to eat.
“As mentioned earlier, apples do produce their own waxy coating. Additional wax can be added, but it depends on the maturity of the apple after harvest and variety. Waxes are either derived from natural or synthetic processes, but all are organic compounds.”
So the writer has nothing to worry. Have your apples without worry. And remember: An apple a day keeps the doctor away, even if it is waxed!
Rajesh
[email protected]
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