Disheartening Times

When I switched on the radio one morning this week, what I heard was that as many as 500 medical doctors had immigrated in the last eight months. To think that all these doctors benefitted from the country’s free education and did not think twice about abandoning it at the first sign of coming challenging times was disheartening.  

Later that day, a friend in charge of a restaurant told me that all his staff, from the Chef in Charge to the servers and cleaners, had informed him that they had applied for jobs overseas.  They had said that they were happy to accept any position offered as long as it paid them a good salary and provided accommodation and meals. My friend was happy that the staff had informed him but was then left with the dilemma of finding staff to replace those that will leave and train them to the standards the restaurant was reputed for.  Many working in the food industry are found to be stealing food to take home; it is the same with the domestic aides, some of whom will also steal anything they can lay their hands on to turn to cash.  The search for greener pastures are a common widespread occurrence right now and not limited to the two fields referred to above.  Those that leave the country cannot be blamed for doing so.  

Firstly, the basic wages paid to many are beyond ridiculous.  Most employers prefer to pad the salaries paid with allowances, thus avoiding having to pay EPF and ETF.  Secondly, the current soaring cost of living makes it impossible to keep the home fires burning, educate the children, look after the extended family and face medical emergencies, to name a few. Prices have gone up in all restaurants, which is to be expected. What cannot be accepted is the quality of the food and the reduced portion sizes served at many restaurants. This is a definite  no no. The majority live in darkness due to the electricity prices going up and addition to the increase in other utilities.  The price of medicines have skyrocketed and are beyond reach of most people. Recently, I had to buy some medical equipment that had doubled in price and I learned from other users that they had opted to do without since the item was unaffordable.  If not loaded with cash, austere living is de rigueur now.  

As usual, for the fourth year running,  it is appreciated that the cash flushed are still patronising the hotels, restaurants, cinemas, shops etc. If sales drop it will only lead to such establishments having to shut down. Many have done, resulting in vacant spaces being available for rent in the city and the rest of the county.   

These are disheartening times and prayer is the only hope.