Testing crimes

The article 'Do you need this test' (Health, August 11) is very timely and informative. This has now become a big problem in India, where people are setting up big super specialty hospitals left and right and looking to recover the costs for setting these up from hapless patients, sometimes even if they arrive with only minor problems. Prescribing too many tests is now a big bane of the medical profession in India. Unnecessary and costly medical care and over-hospitalisation is definitely on the rise here. There needs to be some regulation to prevent this. After all, this is a kind of malpractice too, and must be looked into by the government to prevent exploitation.


Nalini S, via email

Truly spell-bond

Your cover story package 'Haute Spy' (August 25) on James Bond has plenty of sparkle and substance. It aptly recalls the thrills the Bond movies have provided over the last fifty years. Novelist Ian Fleming beautifully blended his firsthand intelligence experience with his storytelling skills to create a fine product. Bond films have proven spellbinding. Yes, 'Bond, James Bond' is now also a brand icon - the handiwork of smart business professionals who discovered the Midas touch in Fleming's creation. It probably gladdens the hearts of many readers to know that these novels are minor classics of literature now. What a way to connect with viewers and readers.


K R Deshpande, via email

Batman forever

The article 'Very Very Scorned' (Sport, August 25) is indeed a fine tribute to one of India's greatest cricketers, VVS Laxman. As is fittingly pointed out, sport today is all about glitz, glamour and commercialisation. Still, Laxman retained an oldworld charm of batting for batting's sake and for earning the loyalty of his teammates. He might have been spurned by advertisers but the respect he earned among connoisseurs and his teammates will remain forever. Besides, he will always have the unique distinction of being modern cricket's Da Vinci, and Indian cricket's last Renaissance Man. Those who saw him play will remain forever 'touched' by him.


N C Vamshi Krishna, via email