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SCMP Reporter

Should free baby formula  be given out in hospitals?
Free baby formula should not be given out in hospitals for one reason only - it discourages breastfeeding.
Hospitals accept free samples claiming that  they are for the purpose of those mothers who are medically unfit to feed their babies, but the truth  is that the vast majority of  women who give birth are physically able to nurse their children.
They simply need the physical, emotional and mental support to do so.
One of the most disturbing, but hardly surprising, aspects of the infant-milk-formula scandal is the failure of authorities to acknowledge that the advertising of formula and  its ready distribution  by places such as hospitals undoubtedly contributed to this tragedy.
Without free samples and advertisement touting the benefits of formula, would families have opted for  it over breast milk?
Instead of accepting free formula, the hospitals and the government should be concentrating on providing prenatal education about the cost of formula, both nutritional and financial, and the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby's and mother's physical health.
Hospitals should work to ensure that their facilities support rooming-in so that mothers can easily nurse their babies after delivery and should have not only lactation consultants but nurses who can assist new mothers with breastfeeding and doctors who heartily support such efforts.
Finally, this is a community responsibility. Women are more likely to breastfeed if laws mandate that workplaces provide facilities other than the restroom to pump.
Women are also more likely to nurse if private and public facilities are readily available and their decision to nurse their babies is viewed as natural.
The embarrassment or discomfort supposedly suffered by unenlightened individuals who are unable to view breasts as anything but sexual objects has the tragic effect of discouraging mothers from providing nutrition for their babies.
People can privately despair over the health of thousands of babies, but until hospitals, government, workplaces and individuals truly prioritise the welfare of mothers and children by enacting legislation and changing policies and opinions, nothing will change. Formula companies will make huge profits, more babies will be sick, and some will needlessly die.
Stephanie Han, Lantau
What do you think of  the code on racial bias?
It has been accepted that racial discrimination is a problem in the community, but things improved with the racial discrimination law  that was passed last summer.
My response is that it is a case of better late than never.
There is certainly no room for complacency in this regard, as there seems to be some confusion about how the ordinance works and  whether it satisfies the ethnic minorities.
The 'Code of Practice on Employment' released by the Equal Opportunities Commission serves to clarify the law ('Code clarifies racism law for bosses', October 14).
However,  most employers will probably not strictly abide by the new regulations, unless they are legally obliged to do so, especially those people who have little sense of the importance of equality. Also some of those people who are discriminated against are probably still not aware of their rights.
They still probably fear that if they stand up for their rights they could lose their job.
They may also feel that they will have to endure a lot of red tape and at the end of the day the employer will probably not be punished under the law.
The procedures for handling complaints need to be reviewed and the whole investigation process should be streamlined with greater transparency in the handling of cases.
All employers should be required to attend courses so they can learn how the policy  works.
It will also help clear up any misunderstandings and help them  implement equal-opportunity policies in their companies more efficiently.
Borromeo Li Ka-kit, Kwun Tong
Does  Hong Kong have a  good work-life balance?
A survey has found that the average working week in Hong Kong is 55 hours and 80 per cent of people regularly work unpaid overtime.
Clearly employees here work very long hours. This adversely affects the work-life balance.
It is very rare for an employer to encourage members of staff to take time off work so they can exercise, or to bring their children or other family members to work.
In fact, most employers don't even recognise the benefits of having a good work-life balance. Having that balance can improve the productivity of employees, and this can enhance a company's reputation.
Take teachers as an example. They are under a lot of pressure and have a large workload and they have to adapt to changes in the education system.
They often have to bring students' work home to mark it. They must find it difficult to get the right work-life balance.
I think many professionals in Hong Kong are in a similar situation.
I am quite concerned about working practices in the city.
Paco Chan, Sheung Shui
I do not think Hong Kong has a good work-life balance.
It is a fast-paced city and many people in the workplace face keen competition.
Because of that, employees  work long hours and have heavy workloads.
A Community Business Work-Life Balance Day was held last week to raise awareness of corporate social responsibility in the city. Achieving a good work-life balance can lead to higher productivity, higher morale and less absenteeism.
However, a lot of companies did not take part in the work-life balance day and for many employers, the priority is to boost profits.
Things could get more difficult with the economic recession.
Cherry Wong Ching-ha, Sheung Shui
In Hong Kong, people work eight hours a day.
However, most employees also do overtime.
Many people have to endure heavy workloads. In the long term, this will place a lot of pressure on Hong Kong people and eventually those people who cannot cope with the pressure will fall by the wayside.
Because of their heavy workload, they have  little time to relax and to do exercise.
This unbalanced lifestyle is bad for their health.
To stop this problem  getting worse, people should seek help when they are under a lot of pressure.
Joanne Lau Kwan-yee, Sha Tin



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