Sunday, September 28, 2008

A bribe by government

Yesterday morning was surfing through the channels and read this headline: "Maharashtra Government to give 1 lakh compensation to the families of the kids who died due to improper vaccination."

My general understanding of the compensation given in tragedies was to make up for the lose of income or for resettlement of the families. There is no such case in a minor death. The grief of the family in case of child death is immense which cannot be reduced by any amount disbursed to them. And especially in this case when they are trying to do the right thing, trying to make sure that their child grows into an healthy individual and then facing such results. 

What is the government trying to achieve by disbursing money in such cases? Do they feel that they have done with their responsibilities by giving money to grieving families? I see it as a bribe given by government to these families so that they don't question the inefficiency of the people in charge. Won't the money be better used in research & development, testing so that these cases don't happen again? But then do we live in an era where the government is concerned about doing the right thing

1 comment:

Monsieur K said...

More than a bribe, I would term it as an incentive (sounds absolutely sick)offered by the government to the poor, not to vaccinate the children. People who can afford, or who realise the importance of vaccination - will definitely get it done for their kids.
I am actually trying to comprehend the government's logic behind this move - its just beyond me!!!