Although the ship Clemenceau has drawn public attention to Alang and its ship-breaking "industry", the problems that would be potentially created by Clemenceau will add only a small increment to the existing troubles. "Alang: Dantes Inferno" was the title of a detailed investigative report published in the magazine "Outlook" (by RAKESH KALSHIAN, February 16, 1998). One of the glaring hazards mentioned in that article was the exploitation of the sufferers at Alang by unscrupulous QUACKS. I shall quote from the article: "... there are more than 200 ayurvedic physicians in Alang, but most dispense allopathic medicines. Dr Asmat Siddique says he treats about 15 to 20 patients every day. And routinely prescribes antibiotics for malaria and pneumonia which, he says, are quite common." No real doctor would think of treating malaria with antibiotics. Moreover, what is stated to be "pneumonia", could be inflammation caused by toxic agents, or pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of harmful dust, glass wool, fumes (from welding), etc., or asbestosis. Or is it lung cancer produced by inhalation of asbestos dust? Viral pneumonia also will not respond to antibiotics.
