Afsana’s world

The average waiting time to see your actual doctor for an illness is appalling never mind a general check-up. Privatising the NHS is the solution to all this? I know that the current government, has invested twenty point five billion pounds in to the NHS in a bid to tackle major conditions mainly caner, mental health and towards maternity. How about making checking ups and blood tests compulsory first before even these conditions develop similar to dental health where you must book an appointment every six months with thorough checks each time. The government has already attempted to privatise the NHS through partnerships throughout the region which I think still remains inadequate till date with over seventy thousand patients registered at one practice this is inhumane. I am aware that the current government intends to bring in medical professionals from outside the UK to overcome the shortage of staff. But how are the skills and the education of these medical applicants going to be monitored as we are putting the lives of our nation’s people into the hands of these medicals. Who have different ways of working that may be considered unsafe this has been the case for many cosmetic surgeons. Will they be expected to complete an internationally recognised qualification prior to entering the UK that is stringent with only UK recognised institutions only.  I have one suggestion how about doctor’s providing private services after working hours I think this was previously in place for instance doctors from hospitals or GP’s could provide these services after work in return for a fee. I am aware that many young people are put off from entering the system as it’s a very boring, lengthy and difficult occupation.  I think we need to encourage more young people at an early stage into the profession about how amazing it is to be doctor as you are similar to God as you can save someone’s live that is so rewarding through your knowledge & skill that no other can do. More doctors and nurses need to attend schools ideally primary schools where they get discuss their profession to boost interest. Maybe drop the requirements for university level slightly at A level or start a degree apprenticeship into the medical profession instead of the MBBS route. Also, could the cost of parking tickets of hospital visitors be added to the salary of junior doctors to attract them to the profession. Maybe raise the salary in contrast of a nurse to demonstrate importance and seniority from the rising tax. If healthcare was to become privatised, then would there be a division in hospitals for example luxury hospitals in the cities covering consultation to treatment and surgeries. Finally, the cover current government wishes into to save 500,000 lives by plan and provide care around patients not services do you not think the government should not be focused on getting adequate treatment for small illnesses first so that people are fit to work and the economy keeps going.

I have a reason to ponder about where these additional costs to utility bills are going? Being a bill payer myself I was quite appalled by the amount I received as it was a drastic jump from a previous bill vaguely an extra £110. I would really like to know what is the logic behind the rising costs of utility bills? Where is this additional money being spent by the government? I have one suggestion, I am aware that there is a high rate of depression and suicide amongst farmers due to the current Brexit uncertainty with the added financial pressure where they are not making much profit as the much of the harvest stock is traded in from Europe. As a result, the farming trade is dying out, in order to tackle this ongoing mental health crisis mainly to help save lives and the economy I have an idea the money from utility bills is spent on helping farmers and the battle against climate change by 2050.  My plan involves setting up more cattle farms across the country or instructing existing farmers to breed more cattle where the methane produced is used for electricity, growing vegetation. Cattle manure has many functions and is used widely in Bangladesh in cylinders to cook meals. Furthermore, in Bangladesh cattle manure is used to heat outdoor stoves like coal could this style be adopted for BBQS where it’s sold in retail shops. I think this is already in place, but I think the government should invest more into the scheme to combat the adverse effects of climate change to cut carbon emissions. Not only this, couldn’t the smart meter be replaced as it is inadequate and could the money be used on renewable sources such as solar panels to every household instead to make utility bills more affordable to meet the 20% improvement in energy efficiency under the 2020 climate change policy. As solar panels require large spaces, couldn’t all corporate buildings be encouraged to take part in using more renewable energy, in major cities for example solar panels are installed on high rooftops of corporate buildings. In addition, as boots have recently introduced the paper bag system couldn’t all other retailers adopt a similar system that is used in America. Furthermore, could water tanks be installed in homes or office buildings where it is heated by solar panels to keep water shortage down this is used in third world countries. Also, couldn’t the lane for cyclists be widened on roads to cut down car use in cities also I think there needs to be more bike stands in major cities so cyclists can leave their cycles in peace. How about making cities a cycle only city like Amsterdam making cycles a norm to cut to carbon gases. Could we not take inspiration from other countries and work together to meet the global emission target? Yes I have noted there are few errors on my last posts please excuse me as my mother keeps pestering me when I do these posts.

Is home ownership no longer a priority in this country? As more people are renting should it not be a concern to make renting more affordable in order to combat the ongoing crisis of homelessness in this country.  I have only just been informed that the current government will scrap the help to buy scheme after my last visit at the bank that was introduced in 2013. This is totally unfair as the scheme provided a great source of assistance to particularly young women who have been working on an average salary in their early twenties. Just like me, there are thousands of women who dream of owning their home you can decorate it as you please, I would consider it to be a major accomplishment in my life to own a home under my name as a woman in my twenties just like a man. This has always been my focus, where I would save my monthly salary to savings enough to build towards a deposit that is only 5% of the purchase price under the current scheme. That is an only small amount that could be built up by anybody with hard work with an additional 20%-40% from the government, therefore it should be retained. Owning home has so many advantages for instance it provides a good sense of security for loved one after you pass. A home is a place of comfort and shelter for yourself from adverse weather and the outside world where you can switch off. In addition, if you can pay of your loan within an 25 year period then you can use the property to generate further income by letting to tenants that will be adding to the economy at early age. As less people are buying properties then what will be used as an asset that can be sold if you were to take out a loan to start a business as form of security to reimburse the cost if the company was to go dissolved. Could the current scheme be slightly modified in the sense as it only applies to newly built homes but the quality of new built homes is very poor where further work needs to be carried after the purchase due to faults therefore it’s not considered much of an investment. Could the scheme be applied to all forms of property not just newly built homes. I would like to ask the government what is being introduced to replace the current scheme to boost home ownership  There is an argument that a lot government funding is being wasted on the scheme then where is the money that is going saved going to be spent? I hope the money will be spent on the homeless and to reduce rent costs. In addition, another argument is that the scheme has only benefited the privileged I do not think so it has actually helped those who live in a very expensive area like London where prices are volatile. Another question, I have if the scheme has raised housing prices then why are renting prices still high? Shouldn’t one be reduced if both are staggeringly high then the scheme is contradicting itself.

Sorry if I sound like I’m ranting but I’m just fed up of men ridiculing other fathers for taking an interest in their children’s lives by taking time out from their working life to spend time with their children as its considered feminine. I hate this mentality by a passion why are children the sole responsibility of mothers only? Was a child not born from man’s sperm combined with a woman’s egg so should not a man have the same love, affection and interest in their child’s life as a mother. Therefore, it’s essential for fathers to spend time with their children regardless of their age for birthdays, going on holidays and being there for them when they need it most. I know this view is held by men who never had role models growing up or their fathers did nothing of the sort and the cycle repeated itself to future generations. But this needs to change for the good so that children can grow up in loving and supportive environment where they can achieve all their dreams. This particularly important for sons who often struggle to achieve their aspirations as their fathers lack ambition and did not take any risks with their lives to go after what they want or have given up. For this reason, it’s vital for men to be a good role model for their children and be strong at the same time so they can aspire to be like them making it acceptable to take risks and flourish in their interest to boost the economy. Men should invest in their children’s lives a great deal because they are part of you every way possible by blood, similar behaviours and looks that no one can take away so support them emotionally and financially. Not only this, most men have seen their mothers take full responsibility in every aspect of their child’s life from being fed, baths, giving them love all of these duties are too much for one person to manage so please share the responsibility. I know it’s traditional for men to go out to work to earn money that’s totally acceptable but you also need to spend time with your children as they are the apple of the to your eye and the future to our country so please invest their well- being. Lastly, why should masculinity be define parental duties be shaped by previous generations it’s time for a change?

Why is depression considered an illness or is viewed by many as a disease? Those who have gone through depression have suffered pain and nothing more they have experienced feelings on a deeper level through different stages in their life whether it be job loss, miscarriage, divorce, loss of a loved one many more. It’s the feeling of hurt that lies deep in the heart that cannot be erased as we are only born with one heart that cannot be replaced and not some disease. Sometimes it’s the constant feeling of guilt that we have wronged ourselves or someone and our own expectations of life that causes us to feel down. I know that those of the older generation do not believe in depression whatsoever. Never believe this life is far too difficult for someone to say that they never felt down or pain at some stage in their life as we all have just like we experience all the seasons in life of winter, spring. Some are good at hiding it others not some may lapse into it but that’s we okay it just means we lived. Therefore, depression is not something that should be used as bullying method to attack people with instead we as humans owe an duty to one another to help the other person to get back on their feet make the best of their life and the country. I know for a fact we as women experience pain on deeper level by nature as we tend to do everything wholeheartedly whether its work, love, parenting so we tend suffer from depression especially when we as women fall in love. This is more the case that we as women put pressure on ourselves in terms of our careers getting that promotion, in terms of looks etc. But that’s okay we are human I know men also do to. However, men are still feel ashamed to admit it where other men tease the other about it like it’s something disgusting. Remember depression has no race, age, gender it can affect anybody at any stage in life it  therefore it should be openly discussed so barriers can be broken down it so that people are not embarrassed to seek help and more services should be provided to help.

Has anyone ever considered that autism could be the effects of prolonged bullying and not genetic condition in adults? That’s another discussion altogether but I would like to pose a question to the current government what is being done to support those with this condition. Who need support, to get the best out of their lives and the families who can continue to carry out their normal live’s. Most importantly to maintain a balanced life by working and contributing to the economy. Shouldn’t autism be given the same priority as cancer that needs a cure as it is an ongoing epidemic. Children with autism are equally talented in their own unique way that are no different from any other child who need the right direction and guidance who can also contribute to society as adults. These children who then grow up to become adults should not ostracised in society as they are also who human that every right to be here as any other human and more awareness needs to be generated. Therefore, the government needs to invest in further learning support for these children in schools and throughout adult life ideally as the condition deteriorates over the years. I would like to advise the parents of these children to engage their children in extracurricular activities as much as possible to limit the effects of this condition as I have seen great results from family members who have children with autism who did not require specialist support. However, on the other hand I would like to ask the government this question is this condition being over diagnosed to hold those who come from an ethnic minority background back in terms of progressing and succeeding in life? I know this is quite risky but this once again is another glass ceiling that’s been created by society to create inequality. In order to tackle this problem there needs to be a clear definition of what autism is? Whether it’s a genetic condition? How to curb the effects? Raising awareness on a wide scale and educating people about the condition. Sorry this is short but I have been extremely busy this Ramadan.

Sleeping your way to the top, I know this is quite a controversial title but this is what often hear in the office when you reach the heights of success in your twenties being a woman. This is far from the truth these rumours usually stem from women who have been working in the same department in the same position for decades. Can I just remind these women just maybe these young women have actual talent. Us women, need to stop judging one another and encourage each other in every way possible in the workplace, creating more welcoming environment for young women. My whole ordeal of working in an office environment has been quite challenging, this is especially true when you’re the most eligible person for the next post in terms of education and experience. Not only this, your ethnicity plays key factor where you face more backlash from the majority. To add to this, there is a very disgusting viewpoint that women who come from an ethnic minority are ‘easy’ who are merely being supported by a white male in a senior ranking and nothing more. This mentality needs to be addressed to senior women as it makes quite an uncomfortable place to work when you hear comments such as “you’re very attractive” or “you’re a pretty a little thing” and “Any man would give her job because she’s pretty” when you need like to groom yourself. We as women should be ashamed of ourselves that we still hold these views it’s the 21^st century we need to move with times instead we are putting our own species down. When I was reading my newsfeed on Bing, I read upon article about female lawyers facing harassment in the workplace. I couldn’t agree more, yes the legal sector is full of sleazy men who will offer you a training contract in return of sexual favours never be fooled by this ladies I think the whole route to becoming a lawyer is unfair I have experienced some of this myself. Men are exploiting this system whether they are working in the local authority or those who practice in a private law firm. I hope the new changes in the system allow more women to enter into the profession removing the toxic level of competition that enable these men to take advantage of these desperate ambitious women. My advice to women in a senior ranking position is help more women to progress to managerial posts so we don’t have to go through these uncomfortable situations and no woman should have to compromise her honour for a job or position.

Turning 26 and the impending marriage!!!

Here, I am sitting on my couch days till my 26^th Birthday still unmarried. The ongoing arguments about marriage and the uncomfortable stares endured by myself by elders in the community. This still baffles me till date that marriage is part of life not the main thing that defines a woman. I like most other Bengali girls had planned life like a tick list where I will get my university degree, get myself a stable job and get married to the man of my dreams which I have found do not exist. Going through an arranged marriage experience myself I can truthfully say that mothers are one of the reasons behind divorces and domestic abuse as they are the most dominating figure in marriage discussions. The Bengali Phenom of getting married is a mystery in itself whereby a photograph and CV is sole foundation for marriage proposals this is so absurd. This gets circulated to Aunties who sit and nit-pick each picture and CV in a disgusting manner. How can picture and CV decide the fate of two people to add to this it all depends on the daughter’s village in Bangladesh, class, property and level of education. Myself, I was lucky enough that my mother came from a privileged background growing up in a respectable family whereas father’s side I was often overlooked therefore I’m considered an outcast. Beside, all of these factors there’s more to a person what about their caring heart, their manners, maturity this is totally unfair towards Bengalis girls who are being rejected for invalid reasons. This is making my generation of Bengali girls difficult to get married this needs to change for  the generation after me. Nevertheless, I noted from my own experience that the mothers of these so called son’s use their past traumatic experience of their mother in laws to gain power and abuse daughter in laws.  This so wrong they must also remember that they were once daughters to their own mothers who never wanted any harm to touch them. Just because they come from another family does not mean you can torture them they entered your family through a pure relationship so treat them well just as your own. After all, they will bring you future generation of children so forget the past lets treat our daughter in laws like our own and support them with their careers. Not only this, women’s education carries the same weight as man’s education so don’t look down on a bride’s education. I was often told by my parents to compromise my standards to meet the demands of the groom’s side because I’m a woman. But why should I have to change for someone else? You should love someone for who they are including their flaws otherwise the marriage will be based on a lie which will doomed before its beginning. Another, setback in these so called marriage proposals is being ambitious woman with the burning desire to succeed who out smarten their sons these are sexist views held by mothers. Women should be just as ambitions as Men instead of holding our daughter in laws back we need to encourage them to move forward showcasing the best of our talent. Personally, I like ambitious men who are mature, who are willing to grow together and learn from one another. Till then men have a lot work to who need to catch up who can match my expectation that does not mean I’m picky.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton