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SCMP Reporter

Let's take a scientific view of medical hazards
Kwan Yun-ming's  opinions on the dangers of Chinese medicine compared with its western counterpart ('Opting for traditional Chinese medicine could be dangerous',  September 22)  ended with a demand that objections to his views should be based on 'scientific facts'. A prompt response appeared in the article 'At the sharp end'  (September 24)  by Darren Mann,  honorary clinical associate professor  at Chinese University.  Professor Mann  highlighted the  dangers of western medicine by describing the huge toll taken by health-care accidents.
As an example, he quoted scientific facts from the United States, where (western) medical errors have been implicated in up to 100,000  unnecessary deaths and 1 million  injuries annually. His theme could be interpreted as: there is no such thing as perfect medicine.
This is  a fact of life that  applies to all modalities of medicine.
To obtain a balanced view, we must compare the dangers of western medicine to those of traditional Chinese medicine. I hope  Mr Kwan will be good enough to provide us, on this page, with  the scientific facts backing up  his views.
Ken Bridgewater, Tai Po
Noise pollution: count the cost
Many of us are sometimes at our wit's end with the various forms of noise pollution in Hong Kong.   There is a real medical condition associated with long-term exposure to noise. New research data by the World Health Organisation shows  that noise can increase the levels of stress hormones, and that the longer they circulate in the body, the more we risk premature deaths caused by heart failure, strokes, high blood pressure and immune problems.
The WHO reports that in Europe, 2 per cent of people suffer severe sleep disturbances,  and 15 per cent  severe annoyance. I strongly urge local public-health bodies to undertake research to see if there is a similar pattern in Hong Kong.
I suggest, in particular, that bus drivers  - who are exposed continually to loud traffic noise outside  and non-stop TV noise inside  - be part of an important target group.
We tend to focus more on air pollution, but we brush aside the health effects of noise pollution to our detriment.  So we should support, not deride, the David-and-Goliath skirmishes engaged in by groups like Hush the Bus over bus and train noise.
Evelyn G.H. Ng, Kowloon Tong
The generosity of Li Ka-shing
I write to correct some inaccurate speculation in the article, 'Li cures bad publicity with quiet naming of medical facility'  (September 15).
The Li Ka  Shing  Institute of Health Sciences at  Chinese University  has been in operation since 2005, when it was first established with a generous donation from the Li Ka  Shing  Foundation.  It was named after Mr Li in permanent recognition of his munificence. The ceremony on September 7  formally inaugurated  the institute on the completion of the new building that houses it. Mr Li graced our celebration with his presence despite his recent knee surgery, for which we were most grateful.
It was out of consideration for Mr Li's condition that we decided to have only a brief ceremony. The press was duly briefed about the ceremony and the progress of the institute at a  press conference held later the same day. It is important that the institute's work  be given attention:  the achievements of its  doctors and researchers  will benefit the human race.
Chinese University is most appreciative and proud of the support received from the Li Ka Shing Foundation for this institute. Much progress in biomedical research has been achieved since its opening two years ago. And we are most fortunate to have received another generous donation from the foundation on September 7, to establish a second Li Ka-shing  professorship in our faculty of medicine. This was not reported in your article.
Lawrence J. Lau, vice-chancellor,  Chinese University of Hong Kong
As smoke gets into our skies
I agree with Jennifer Wong's  pert comments in 'Where did our blue skies go?'  (September 21).  Daniel Zigal's observations on harbour ferries emitting black smoke  were also very relevant ('Our exhausting ferry captains',  September 21).
I ask myself  the same  question when I watch the Guangzhou through trains speeding through Kowloon Tong,  with their diesel engines belching black smoke.
Surely regulations governing emissions should be equally applicable to all forms of transport in Hong Kong?
Mike Kennedy, Sai Kung
A new home for an old theatre
North Point's Sunbeam  Theatre  has a place in our history.  It will be a sad day for North Point and Hong Kong when it is gone after its lease expires in August 2009,  because there is no other place quite like it. We will be losing a place that  gives pleasure and entertainment to so many, myself included.
I have  a suggestion. Now that the Housing Authority has surrendered the huge  North Point Estate  site on Java Road  to the government without asking for a penny in compensation,  could a portion of it be excised to provide land for a replacement theatre? It does not have to be a grandiose project, because we know full-well that would take years and years of argument, consultation and discussion - probably leading nowhere. I am reminded of the decision more than 30 years ago to grant a small plot of land for the Hong Kong Arts Centre.
The proposers took what they were given. Then, with  imaginative architecture from  Tao Ho  and private initiative, they quickly produced a building that  continues to give pleasure to thousands every year.
David Akers-Jones, Mid-Levels
Inflation woes
Our Financial Secretary, John Tsang Chun-wah,  has forecast local inflation as high as  2 per cent for this year as a whole  ('Inflation estimate rises on dearer food, weak dollar',  September 25).
I would like to  ask Mr Tsang to visit  supermarkets and department stores in our city, compare the prices of food, commodities and clothing - then  check again after six months. That would not even  include the prices of other consumables, like petrol,  which have rocketed in the last 12 months. The secretary would  then retract his inflation forecast.
Mr Tsang, please be frank with yourself and Hong Kong citizens.
Joseph Lee, Quarry Bay
Two languages
I refer to Matthew Bond's  letter 'Bad attitude'  (September 19),  in which he criticises  the attitude of expatriates towards  Hong Kong and its people. He compares Hong Kong with  countries in Europe.
But not one  country in Europe lists its own language and English as official languages. So the situations cannot be compared. Here, English and Cantonese are official languages, so  people can expect, and demand, bilingual signs and services.
That has slipped over the past 10 years, and now English is lying third behind the unofficial Putonghua.   You can hear this  in the MTR every day, and see  it in advertisements  and even government documents.
The continuing special status of this Special Administrative Region  over the next 40 years, and its handover contract, have nothing to do with 'adapting to local society', as Mr Bond puts it.
Klaus-Bernhard Jotz, Lantau



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