If life expectancy in Kathmandu is 30 years more than in Mugu, as Stephen Bezruchka states in 'Diagnosing Nepal' (#182), then Mugu must stand as a synonym for many other remote districts of Nepal. If the 30-year difference is a confirmed fact, then I have to exclaim: shame on all of you who have been active in this civil war, shame on you who have been involved in humanitarian assistance during 40 years of development programs resulting in such poor records. It is hard to believe that other sectors of basic needs have reached a failure rate, so that such a huge disparity gap exists in this country. Thirdly, shame on the corrupt, both the givers and the takers. Lastly, shame on me who also has done little against it. This is a scandal.

Michael Griesbaum,
Kathmandu