Opinion
The Unseen Victims: The Collateral Damage of COVID-19
By Dr. Chiranthi K Liyanage
Senior Registrar in Rheumatology & Rehabilitation, National Hospital of Sri Lanka
Lecturer, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
I am a doctor working at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), Colombo, and I lost two patients within 24 hours, last week.
The first was a young girl, just 19 years old, from a village in a district bordering Colombo. She was suffering from an autoimmune illness, which required close monitoring and long-term treatment. Her mother called me several times last week saying that her daughter had aches and pains, and that she was feeling a little feverish. I told her that I could not decide on specific treatment without seeing her and running tests. Every time I told her to bring the daughter to the hospital, her answer was “aney doctor, all the wheels (Tuks) are refusing to come to Colombo because of the travel restrictions.”
I asked her whether she could go to the nearest District General Hospital because we could liaise with the specialist there and arrange for a transfer to Colombo if necessary. The answer was “we have no way of going even there. No one is willing to take us”. She was also running low on medicines, and she could not afford to refill the prescription from a private pharmacy. Finally, she agreed to get the required tests done and send a relative to Colombo, so we could at least see the test results, talk to her daughter over the phone and do our best to treat her, given the circumstances. However, the next day morning, the mother called again. She said that her daughter has not passed urine the whole night. She admitted that the daughter’s face looked puffy, and I immediately knew that her kidneys were shutting down. Her disease was very likely flaring up again or she has got an infection and we had to act very quickly. I told her to take her to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. I got two calls from that number after that. One, about an hour later; it was the patient’s sister this time. In between sobs, she said was “aney doctor, my sister is very ill. We are here and getting admitted now”. I was at NHSL, and she was miles away in another hospital. As we had informed the specialist team there about the patient ahead of admission, I assured the sister that she will be taken care of. Another hour later, the sister was on the phone again. All she said to me was “we lost her”. The pain in her voice was palpable, but she was not crying any more.
The same day, another young woman with a similar autoimmune condition who was already admitted to a medical ward at NHSL got critically ill. She died a few hours later as she developed uncontrollable bleeding into the lungs and her kidneys shut down. Earlier this week, as she lay propped up in a hospital bed with laboured breathing, I saw her for the first time in a long time, because she had not come for any follow up clinic visits for months. The first thing she said as she saw me was “Doctor, you are the one I take treatment from”. I asked her to lower her mask to see her face, but I still could not recall the patient. It has been too long. Perusing through her records, I saw my old notes and wondered how she recognized me even with the mask and the face shield on. She has not come to clinic for over a year because of the fear of catching COVID-19 and travel restriction. She has finally got admitted this week, as she became too ill and had no other choice. Although we tried our best, it was too late for her at the end.
As I thought about why we could not save these two young lives, I realized with a very heavy heart, that this is the collateral damage of COVID-19! They were either reluctant or unable to obtain the care they needed due to actual or perceived barriers to access healthcare imposed by the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. However, their deaths will never be counted. They will be forgotten along with the hundreds or even thousands of others who would have lost their lives under similar circumstances, unable to reach a hospital, get medicines, or even see a doctor. We will never know. According to the official sources, the death toll from COVID-19 in Sri Lanka is just over 1600 now. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless others who die in their homes, either of COVID-19 itself or other ailments because they do not get the medical care they need due to inaccessibility of healthcare faculties. As more and more healthcare resources are diverted to manage the ever-increasing numbers of the COVID-19 cases, the resources available to the millions of others who suffer from non-COVID illnesses contract and dwindle further. The preventive health sector including maternal and childcare services are also severely affected as all medical officers of health, public health midwives and public health inspectors are overburdened with COVID -19 related duties. If our state hospitals get overwhelmed with the soaring COVID-19 case load, not only COVID related deaths but deaths due to other illnesses will also rise exponentially due to the limited resources available. Therefore, the seemingly low number of deaths we see on paper today is a gross misrepresentation of actuality.
The most disconcerting realisation is that the COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting the already disadvantaged populations more. It is widening the already existing health inequalities by limiting availability, affordability and accessibility of medicines and healthcare due to loss of income, lack of reliable information and education as well as paucity of transportation facilities. The more affluent who wish to avoid the crowded wards in a government hospital will seek medical care in a fee-levying private healthcare institute, while the underprivileged who cannot afford such a luxury will be forced to choose between getting the required treatment while running the risk of contracting COVID-19 or not getting any treatment at all. Over utilisation of public healthcare resources to combat COVID-19 further worsens this disparity. The video consultations and other telemedicine solutions, online pharmacies with delivery systems, drive-through laboratory services and mobile units all cater to a wealthier segment in our society. The thousands who are solely reliant on the public health institutions are inadvertently overlooked and underserved.
The System which should safeguard the right to health of all Sri Lankans, is miserably failing the neediest, already disadvantaged segments due to its many inadequacies. For example, the mechanism adopted very early on in the second wave to send medicines by post to clinic attendees in government hospitals is still not fully operational, although the country is in a much dire situation now. Albeit not a perfect system, it limited movement of people within the country, reduced usage of public transport and ensured continuity of care to a great extent. Moreover, the improperly planned, poorly regulated vaccination drive against COVID-19 paved way for those with the ‘right kind of connections’ to jump the queue while the disadvantaged high-risk populations were deprived of the same opportunity. A strictly enforced secure system based on eligibility, with transparency, phased out rolling out of the vaccine and stringent monitoring would have prevented such a fiasco as the public would have had faith in The System and awaited their due turn. The travel restrictions which are in place to prevent the spread of the disease is in fact driving the already impoverished societies into a miserable poverty-stricken abyss. Meanwhile, some more well-to-do fellow countrymen, political stooges and those in positions of power commit brazen acts of violation of the very regulations. They roam around in their big cars and jeeps under the guise of essential services, throw birthday parties, and dinner parties at a time the rest of the country is grappling with a deadly virus wreaking havoc and leaving death and destruction in its wake.
So, what can we do within a flawed System? It is a System that has been corrupted by a few which has in turn corrupted many more, who otherwise may have been decent, law-abiding citizens who value justice, equality and morality. It is a malady that is spreading like a pervasive, self-perpetuating parasitic disease. Yes, there is no doubt that the system MUST change. However, is it rational or even acceptable to simply blame The System and be complacent when each of us ARE in fact a part of it? Are we not complicit in one way or another in either being corrupted by The System, or worse, in corrupting it? Only you can answer for yourself. We as Sri Lankans citizens cannot disregard our duties and social responsibilities. We must self-examine and reflect on what we can do as individuals at this very moment to get our country out of the peril it is in. We must not forget that we are all a part of The System and therefore we have the ability and the power to change it from within.
All countries who have so far successfully curbed the spread of COVID-19 have used a multipronged approach encompassing strict enforcement of travel restrictions to limit the daily new infection rates to manageable numbers, rational testing to identify and remove sources of infection, with pre-planned, well-coordinated vaccination to immunize an adequate proportion of the population. While most of these strategies are already in place and operational to an extent in Sri Lanka, the success of these measures depends hugely on the compliance of the public. This is a virus. It is spread by humans to other humans. Our country’s need of the hour is to prevent further spread of COVID-19 and it should be the priority of its entire populace.
One must not forget that even if you are vaccinated and your whole family is vaccinated, it does not guarantee that you will not spread the disease. A significant proportion of the population has to be immunised to break the chain of transmission. Sri Lanka is not even close to achieving that target yet. If you are fully vaccinated, you are unlikely to get severe disease or develop complications, but another person you unknowingly transmit it to might not be so lucky. The poor patients in the outskirts of cities and villages who are unable to reach a hospital, the ones who are unable to put food on the table let alone get medicines for their loved ones are suffering because we as a nation is failing them. Soaring infection rates within a city not only affects those who are infected, but millions across the country as it distorts the very fabric of our society and disrupts an already imperfect System. The health guidelines and restrictions are in place not only to protect you, but to protect the rest of the society from you. Adhering to these guidelines will protect you, your family and countless others who you have never even met, as the spread of the disease will be prevented limiting the direct as well as collateral damage of COVID-19.
Humans, however, are driven by the primal instinct of self-preservation. Most are self-serving by nature. There is an inherent need to fulfill one’s own desires and needs and protect their own even at the expense of another. That is why there is an intrinsic disinclination to let go of personal liberties and compromise for the betterment of the society at large, unless there is a perceived direct benefit. However, I believe that most are compassionate human beings who tend to overlook the potential damage they may cause as they are simply unaware of it. Those who clamour to get the gyms and bars open, use their connections to throw clandestine parties and simply try to enjoy their usual indulgences, do so because they probably do not understand the harm it causes not only to those in their immediate circles but the entire population. There are no perpetrators in this pandemic, all are victims in one way or another. It is not an exaggeration when I say that there has never been a time in history when the actions of each and every person in this country has mattered as much. Every single Sri Lankan, man, woman or child has a role to play in combating this horrid pandemic. Even in the absence of a System that firmly enforces regulations externally, self-discipline could right the wrongs and make an imperfect System work. We could still save hundreds of lives if each of us fulfill our duty to the nation and be socially responsibile.
The real extent of death and devastation caused by this pandemic will probably never be known. However, for those of us who see these people suffer, fight for their lives and still loose, it is unimaginable and immeasurable. They are not just another number to be added or disregarded from a daily report. To us, these are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons or siblings of another fellow human being. Every life matters, and every life is precious. So, this is my plea to my fellow Sri Lankans…. please be socially responsible, put the societal needs above your own personal liberties. Each of you have an immense power to stop the spread of this deadly pandemic, so please do your part as Sri Lanka needs you now.
by Dr B.J.C.Perera
MBBS(Cey), DCH(Cey), DCH(Eng), MD(Paed), MRCP(UK), FRCP(Edin),
FRCP(Lon), FRCPCH(UK), FSLCPaed, FCCP, Hony FRCPCH(UK), Hony. FCGP(SL)
Specialist Consultant Paediatrician and Honorary Senior Fellow,
Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Joint Editor, Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health
In an age of unprecedented global development, technological advancements, universal connectivity, and improvements in living standards in many areas of the world, it is a very dark irony that child food poverty remains a pressing issue. UNICEF defines child food poverty as children’s inability to access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet in early childhood. Despite the planet Earth’s undisputed capacity to produce enough food to nourish everyone, millions of children still go hungry each day. We desperately need to explore the multifaceted deleterious effects of child food poverty, on physical health, cognitive development, emotional well-being, and societal impacts and then try to formulate a road map to alleviate its deleterious effects.
Every day, right across the world, millions of parents and families are struggling to provide nutritious and diverse foods that young children desperately need to reach their full potential. Growing inequities, conflict, and climate crises, combined with rising food prices, the overabundance of unhealthy foods, harmful food marketing strategies and poor child-feeding practices, are condemning millions of children to child food poverty.
In a communique dated 06th June 2024, UNICEF reports that globally, 1 in 4 children; approximately 181 million under the age of five, live in severe child food poverty, defined as consuming at most, two of eight food groups in early childhood. These children are up to 50 per cent more likely to suffer from life-threatening malnutrition. Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood – the third issue of UNICEF’s flagship Child Nutrition Report – highlights that millions of young children are unable to access and consume the nutritious and diverse diets that are essential for their growth and development in early childhood and beyond.
It is highlighted in the report that four out of five children experiencing severe child food poverty are fed only breastmilk or just some other milk and/or a starchy staple, such as maize, rice or wheat. Less than 10 per cent of these children are fed fruits and vegetables and less than 5 per cent are fed nutrient-dense foods such as eggs, fish, poultry, or meat. These are horrendous statistics that should pull at the heartstrings of the discerning populace of this world.
The report also identifies the drivers of child food poverty. Strikingly, though 46 per cent of all cases of severe child food poverty are among poor households where income poverty is likely to be a major driver, 54 per cent live in relatively wealthier households, among whom poor food environments and feeding practices are the main drivers of food poverty in early childhood.
One of the most immediate and visible effects of child food poverty is its detrimental impact on physical health. Malnutrition, which can result from both insufficient calorie intake and lack of essential nutrients, is a prevalent consequence. Chronic undernourishment during formative years leads to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and increased susceptibility to infections and diseases. Children who do not receive adequate nutrition are more likely to suffer from conditions such as anaemia, rickets, and developmental delays.
Moreover, the lack of proper nutrition can have long-term health consequences. Malnourished children are at a higher risk of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity later in life. The paradox of child food poverty is that it can lead to both undernutrition and overnutrition, with children in food-insecure households often consuming calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foods due to economic constraints. This dietary pattern increases the risk of obesity, creating a vicious cycle of poor health outcomes.
The impacts of child food poverty extend beyond physical health, severely affecting cognitive development and educational attainment. Adequate nutrition is crucial for brain development, particularly in the early years of life. Malnutrition can impair cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Studies have consistently shown that malnourished children perform worse academically compared to their well-nourished peers. Inadequate nutrition during early childhood can lead to reduced school readiness and lower IQ scores. These children often struggle to concentrate in school, miss more days due to illness, and have lower overall academic performance. This educational disadvantage perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as lower educational attainment reduces future employment opportunities and earning potential.
The emotional and psychological effects of child food poverty are profound and are often overlooked. Food insecurity creates a constant state of stress and anxiety for both children and their families. The uncertainty of not knowing when or where the next meal will come from can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair. Children in food-insecure households are more likely to experience behavioural problems, including hyperactivity, aggression, and withdrawal. The stigma associated with poverty and hunger can further exacerbate these emotional challenges. Children who experience food poverty may feel shame and embarrassment, leading to social isolation and reduced self-esteem. This psychological toll can have lasting effects, contributing to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety in adolescence and adulthood.
Child food poverty also perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. Children who grow up in food-insecure households are more likely to remain in poverty as adults, continuing the intergenerational transmission of disadvantage. This cycle of poverty exacerbates social disparities, contributing to increased crime rates, reduced social cohesion, and greater reliance on social welfare programmes. The repercussions of child food poverty ripple through society, creating economic and social challenges that affect everyone. The healthcare costs associated with treating malnutrition-related illnesses and chronic diseases are substantial. Additionally, the educational deficits linked to child food poverty result in a less skilled workforce, which hampers economic growth and productivity.
Addressing child food poverty requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles both immediate needs and underlying causes. Policy interventions are crucial in ensuring that all children have access to adequate nutrition. This can include expanding social safety nets, such as food assistance programmes and school meal initiatives, as well as targeted manoeuvres to reach more vulnerable families. Ensuring that these programmes are adequately funded and effectively implemented is essential for their success.
In addition to direct food assistance, broader economic and social policies are needed to address the root causes of poverty. This includes efforts to increase household incomes through living wage policies, job training programs, and economic development initiatives. Supporting families with affordable childcare, healthcare, and housing can also alleviate some of the financial pressures that contribute to food insecurity.
Community-based initiatives play a vital role in combating child food poverty. Local food banks, community gardens, and nutrition education programmes can help provide immediate relief and promote long-term food security. Collaborative efforts between government, non-profits, and the private sector are necessary to create sustainable solutions.
Child food poverty is a profound and inescapable issue with far-reaching consequences. Its deleterious effects on physical health, cognitive development, emotional well-being, and societal stability underscore the urgent need for comprehensive action. As we strive for a more equitable and just world, addressing child food poverty must be a priority. By ensuring that all children have access to adequate nutrition, we can lay the foundation for a healthier, more prosperous future for individuals and society as a whole. The fight against child food poverty is not just a moral imperative but an investment in our collective future. Healthy, well-nourished children are more likely to grow into productive, contributing members of society. The benefits of addressing this issue extend beyond individual well-being, enhancing economic stability and social harmony. It is incumbent upon us all to recognize and act upon the understanding that every child deserves the right to adequate nutrition and the opportunity to thrive.
Despite all of these existent challenges, it is very definitely possible to end child food poverty. The world needs targeted interventions to transform food, health, and social protection systems, and also take steps to strengthen data systems to track progress in reducing child food poverty. All these manoeuvres must comprise a concerted effort towards making nutritious and diverse diets accessible and affordable to all. We need to call for child food poverty reduction to be recognized as a metric of success towards achieving global and national nutrition and development goals.
Material from UNICEF reports and AI assistance are acknowledged.
By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana
The colossal failure of not a single opinion poll predicting accurately the result of the Indian parliamentary election, the greatest exercise in democracy in the world, raises the question whether the importance of opinion polls is vastly exaggerated. During elections two types of opinion polls are conducted; one based on intentions to vote, published during or before the campaign, often being not very accurate as these are subject to many variables but exit polls, done after the voting where a sample tally of how the voters actually voted, are mostly accurate. However, of the 15 exit polls published soon after all the votes were cast in the massive Indian election, 13 vastly overpredicted the number of seats Modi’s BJP led coalition NDA would obtain, some giving a figure as high as 400, the number Modi claimed he is aiming for. The other two polls grossly underestimated predicting a hung parliament. The actual result is that NDA passed the threshold of 272 comfortably, there being no landslide. BJP by itself was not able to cross the threshold, a significant setback for an overconfident Mody! Whether this would result in less excesses on the part of Modi, like Muslim-bashing, remains to be seen. Anyway, the statement issued by BJP that they would be investigating the reasons for failure rather than blaming the process speaks very highly of the maturity of the democratic process in India.
I was intrigued by this failure of opinion polls as this differs dramatically from opinion polls in the UK. I never failed to watch ‘Election night specials’ on BBC; as the Big Ben strikes ‘ten’ (In the UK polls close at 10pm} the anchor comes out with “Exit polls predict that …” and the actual outcome is often almost as predicted. However, many a time opinion polls conducted during the campaign have got the predictions wrong. There are many explanations for this.
An opinion poll is defined as a research survey of public opinion from a particular sample, the origin of which can be traced back to the 1824 US presidential election, when two local newspapers in North Carolina and Delaware predicted the victory of Andrew Jackson but the sample was local. First national survey was done in 1916 by the magazine, Literary Digest, partly for circulation-raising, by mailing millions of postcards and counting the returns. Of course, this was not very scientific though it accurately predicted the election of Woodrow Wilson.
Since then, opinion polls have grown in extent and complexity with scientific methodology improving the outcome of predictions not only in elections but also in market research. As a result, some of these organisations have become big businesses. For instance, YouGov, an internet-based organisation co-founded by the Iraqi-born British politician Nadim Zahawi, based in London had a revenue of 258 million GBP in 2023.
In Sri Lanka, opinion polls seem to be conducted by only one organisation which, by itself, is a disadvantage, as pooled data from surveys conducted by many are more likely to reflect the true situation. Irrespective of the degree of accuracy, politicians seem to be dependent on the available data which lend explanations to the behaviour of some.
The Institute for Health Policy’s (IHP) Sri Lanka Opinion Tracker Survey has been tracking the voting intentions for the likely candidates for the Presidential election. At one stage the NPP/JVP leader AKD was getting a figure over 50%. This together with some degree of international acceptance made the JVP behave as if they are already in power, leading to some incidents where their true colour was showing.
The comments made by a prominent member of the JVP who claimed that the JVP killed only the riff-raff, raised many questions, in addition to being a total insult to many innocents killed by them including my uncle. Do they have the authority to do so? Do extra-judicial killings continue to be JVP policy? Do they consider anyone who disagrees with them riff-raff? Will they kill them simply because they do not comply like one of my admired teachers, Dr Gladys Jayawardena who was considered riff-raff because she, as the Chairman of the State Pharmaceutical Corporation, arranged to buy drugs cheaper from India? Is it not the height of hypocrisy that AKD is now boasting of his ties to India?
Another big-wig comes with the grand idea of devolving law and order to village level. As stated very strongly, in the editorial “Pledges and reality” (The Island, 20 May) is this what they intend to do: Have JVP kangaroo-courts!
Perhaps, as a result of these incidents AKD’s ratings has dropped to 39%, according to the IHP survey done in April, and Sajith Premadasa’s ratings have increased gradually to match that. Whilst they are level pegging Ranil is far behind at 13%. Is this the reason why Ranil is getting his acolytes to propagate the idea that the best for the country is to extend his tenure by a referendum? He forced the postponement of Local Governments elections by refusing to release funds but he cannot do so for the presidential election for constitutional reasons. He is now looking for loopholes. Has he considered the distinct possibility that the referendum to extend the life of the presidency and the parliament if lost, would double the expenditure?
Unfortunately, this has been an exercise in futility and it would not be surprising if the next survey shows Ranil’s chances dropping even further! Perhaps, the best option available to Ranil is to retire gracefully, taking credit for steadying the economy and saving the country from an anarchic invasion of the parliament, rather than to leave politics in disgrace by coming third in the presidential election. Unless, of course, he is convinced that opinion polls do not matter and what matters is the ballots in the box!
By Prof. Kirthi Tennakone
ktenna@yahoo.co.uk
Thoughtfulness is the quality of being conscious of issues that arise and considering action while seeking explanations. It facilitates finding solutions to problems and judging experiences.
Almost all human accomplishments are consequences of thoughtfulness.
Can you perform day-to-day work efficiently and effectively without being thoughtful? Obviously, no. Are there any major advancements attained without thought and contemplation? Not a single example!
Science and technology, art, music and literary compositions and religion stand conspicuously as products of thought.
Thought could have sinister motives and the only way to eliminate them is through thought itself. Thought could distinguish right from wrong.
Empathy, love, amusement, and expression of sorrow are reflections of thought.
Thought relieves worries by understanding or taking decisive action.
Despite the universal virtue of thoughtfulness, some advocate an idea termed mindfulness, claiming the benefits of nurturing this quality to shape mental wellbeing. The concept is defined as focusing attention to the present moment without judgment. A way of forgetting the worries and calming the mind – a form of meditation. A definition coined in the West to decouple the concept from religion. The attitude could have a temporary advantage as a method of softening negative feelings such as sorrow and anger. However, no man or woman can afford to be non-judgmental all the time. It is incompatible with indispensable thoughtfulness! What is the advantage of diverting attention to one thing without discernment during a few tens of minute’s meditation? The instructors of mindfulness meditation tell you to focus attention on trivial things. Whereas in thoughtfulness, you concentrate the mind on challenging issues. Sometimes arriving at groundbreaking scientific discoveries, solution of mathematical problems or the creation of masterpieces in engineering, art, or literature.
The concept of meditation and mindfulness originated in ancient India around 1000 BCE. Vedic ascetics believed the practice would lead to supernatural powers enabling disclosure of the truth. Failing to meet the said aspiration, notwithstanding so many stories in scripture, is discernable. Otherwise, the world would have been awakened to advancement by ancient Indians before the Greeks. The latter culture emphasized thoughtfulness!
In India, Buddha was the first to deviate from the Vedic philosophy. His teachers, Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputra, were adherents of meditation. Unconvinced of their approach, Buddha concluded a thoughtful analysis of the actualities of life should be the path to realisation. However, in an environment dominated by Vedic tradition, meditation residually persisted when Buddha’s teachings transformed into a religion.
In the early 1970s, a few in the West picked up meditation and mindfulness. We Easterners, who criticize Western ideas all the time, got exalted after seeing something Eastern accepted in the Western circles. Thereafter, Easterners took up the subject more seriously, in the spirit of its definition in the West.
Today, mindfulness has become a marketable commodity – a thriving business spreading worldwide, fueled largely by advertising. There are practice centres, lessons onsite and online, and apps for purchase. Articles written by gurus of the field appear on the web.
What attracts people to mindfulness programmes? Many assume them being stressed and depressed needs to improve their mental capacity. In most instances, these are minor complaints and for understandable reasons, they do not seek mainstream medical interventions but go for exaggeratedly advertised alternatives. Mainstream medical treatments are based on rigorous science and spell out both the pros and cons of the procedure, avoiding overstatement. Whereas the alternative sector makes unsubstantiated claims about the efficacy and effectiveness of the treatment.
Advocates of mindfulness claim the benefits of their prescriptions have been proven scientifically. There are reports (mostly in open-access journals which charge a fee for publication) indicating that authors have found positive aspects of mindfulness or identified reasons correlating the efficacy of such activities. However, they rarely meet standards normally required for unequivocal acceptance. The gold standard of scientific scrutiny is the statistically significant reproducibility of claims.
If a mindfulness guru claims his prescription of meditation cures hypertension, he must record the blood pressure of participants before and after completion of the activity and show the blood pressure of a large percentage has stably dropped and repeat the experiment with different clients. He must also conduct sessions where he adopts another prescription (a placebo) under the same conditions and compares the results. This is not enough, he must request someone else to conduct sessions following his prescription, to rule out the influence of the personality of the instructor.
The laity unaware of the above rigid requirements, accede to purported claims of mindfulness proponents.
A few years ago, an article published and widely cited stated that the practice of mindfulness increases the gray matter density of the brain. A more recent study found there is no such correlation. Popular expositions on the subject do not refer to the latter report. Most mindfulness research published seems to have been conducted intending to prove the benefits of the practice. The hard science demands doing the opposite as well-experiments carried out intending to disprove the claims. You need to be skeptical until things are firmly established.
Despite many efforts diverted to disprove Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, no contradictions have been found in vain to date, strengthening the validity of the theory. Regarding mindfulness, as it stands, benefits can neither be proved nor disproved, to the gold standard of scientific scrutiny.
Some schools in foreign lands have accommodated mindfulness training programs hoping to develop the mental facility of students and Sri Lanka plans to follow. However, studies also reveal these exercises are ineffective or do more harm than good. Have we investigated this issue before imitation?
Should we force our children to focus attention on one single goal without judgment, even for a moment?
Why not allow young minds to roam wild in their deepest imagination and build castles in the air and encourage them to turn these fantasies into realities by nurturing their thoughtfulness?
Be more thoughtful than mindful?
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