I haven't posted for a while and in that time there have been some incredible changes in the world, especially in the Middle East? Who would have predicted the sudden changes, effectively revolutions, which have resulted in the departure of entrenched leaders in Tunisia, then Egypt? It is amazing how events trigger big change. I believe it was economic pressures, which were the catalyst in Tunisia which sparked events in Egypt and other countries in the region. We are watching events unfold in Libya.
The immediate concern for the wider world community is humanitarian. Libya, especially, has a huge expatriate community and keeping these people safe is a logistical nightmare. While the workers from the developed world have been evacuated, the largest numbers are migrant workers from developing countries and their home governments do not have the resources to mount the operations which European and North American countries have been able to coordinate. Many of these workers were not lawfully employed, unregistered and working for small businesses which themselves do not have any resources to help their workforce. Unfortunately migrant workers from developing countries are under greater pressure to find opportunities abroad and are prepared to take greater risks. They therefore suffer the most when there is a crisis. It is also likely that they will be more reluctant to return home where they don't have prospects of employment or other support to replace the salaries they have remitted while working overseas.
What will the future bring in these countries? The history of revolutions is that they rarely result in an outcome which could be predicted. I would only anticipate an extended period of uncertainty while new leaders and systems establish themselves in the political vacuum which often exists in countries dominated for long periods by authoritarian rulers who do not tolerate oppositions.
The international community needs to support the creation of democratic institutions which can offer lasting stability but must also be careful how this support is given. Ultimately it is for the citizens of the countries effected to decide what they want and for us to hope they get it.
Friday, 4 March 2011
Saturday, 8 January 2011
England Won the Ashes
Well I can put away my St George Cross cuff links for a while. I wore them throughout the Ashes series and had to offer some explanations to French colleagues. They didn't recognise the flag - because the believe the Union Jack is the flag of "Angleterre" - the United Kingdom and its constituent nations leave them largely nonplussed.
Explanations led to discussions about cricket. This is another mystery outside of the Commonwealth nations. Recounting the history of the Ashes is even more parochial than the sport itself. I make no excuses and I see test matches as something of a metaphor for the British anyway. French people in the main do not get cricket. I must ask a recently-returned french colleague who spent many recent years living in England...
Winning the Ashes in Australia for the first time since the early eighties is a tremendously symbolic event. I take nothing away from the best England team to play for some time and I hope this will be the start of an extended period of English dominance. We are rated third in the world now.
I was surprised to learn that our great victory was over the country rated fifth. The test series against India this summer is the one that will really count; India is first in the world ratings. I have every confidence that the series will go well.
Explanations led to discussions about cricket. This is another mystery outside of the Commonwealth nations. Recounting the history of the Ashes is even more parochial than the sport itself. I make no excuses and I see test matches as something of a metaphor for the British anyway. French people in the main do not get cricket. I must ask a recently-returned french colleague who spent many recent years living in England...
Winning the Ashes in Australia for the first time since the early eighties is a tremendously symbolic event. I take nothing away from the best England team to play for some time and I hope this will be the start of an extended period of English dominance. We are rated third in the world now.
I was surprised to learn that our great victory was over the country rated fifth. The test series against India this summer is the one that will really count; India is first in the world ratings. I have every confidence that the series will go well.
Thursday, 6 January 2011
anomalies of health care in France
If you plan to take up a medical career in France, become a vet.
The French health system has been praised for its ability to deliver superb care. The truth I have learnt living here is that the system, whilst undoubtedly serving the French people well, does not deliver particularly better care than the NHS does in the UK and costs a fortune. Not only do most working people have to pay for a supplementary private insurance to recoup medical costs, the social security system is in major deficit.
At the same time doctors earn a fraction of the money their counterparts in Britain bring home.
When I have to see my GP here - a Secteur II doctor who charges more than the basic GP - she charges me €39 for a consultation and it is these fees which make up her income. The Social security refund me about €15 and the rest needs to come from my supplementary arrangements.
My dog has an eye problem and I took him to the vets this evening. The vet diagnosed canine conjunctivitis, administered an antibiotic, prescribed an eye bath and an ointment and relieved me of €132. His fee is €69. The rest was for the medicines - because a vet is also a pharmacist, so he gets a cut of that, too. Leaving aside the the fact that the social security do not cover dogs - I would not dream of suggesting the taxpayer should - the consultation is almost double the cost of the GP. There is no additional supplement to the GP's income. So if you are studying medicine in France, make sure you become a vet!
The French health system has been praised for its ability to deliver superb care. The truth I have learnt living here is that the system, whilst undoubtedly serving the French people well, does not deliver particularly better care than the NHS does in the UK and costs a fortune. Not only do most working people have to pay for a supplementary private insurance to recoup medical costs, the social security system is in major deficit.
At the same time doctors earn a fraction of the money their counterparts in Britain bring home.
When I have to see my GP here - a Secteur II doctor who charges more than the basic GP - she charges me €39 for a consultation and it is these fees which make up her income. The Social security refund me about €15 and the rest needs to come from my supplementary arrangements.
My dog has an eye problem and I took him to the vets this evening. The vet diagnosed canine conjunctivitis, administered an antibiotic, prescribed an eye bath and an ointment and relieved me of €132. His fee is €69. The rest was for the medicines - because a vet is also a pharmacist, so he gets a cut of that, too. Leaving aside the the fact that the social security do not cover dogs - I would not dream of suggesting the taxpayer should - the consultation is almost double the cost of the GP. There is no additional supplement to the GP's income. So if you are studying medicine in France, make sure you become a vet!
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