I agree with Dr Seezi now

SIR—This is in response to the editorial of February 24 regarding proposals attributed toDr. Charles Seezi of Mulago Hospital. Seezi suggested compulsory HIV screening in order to establish one’s sero status, as a precondition for government expenditure through scholarships. I must admit I was swayed by your arguments until I heard Seezi on Radio One. As a doctor, the man deals with all sorts of patients, all he is trying to tell us, isthat doctors, due to the nature of their work, areexposed to all sorts of risks, and therefore is it notprudent to have laws that protect them as victims dueto occupational hazards? Uganda is a world class model in the fight against HIV, and one of the aspects this can be attributed to is empathy for the victims of this disease. As a leader, can't we now move on to show empathy to thosewithout the disease i.e. take preventive measures? I am persuaded to agree with the doctor on the validity of HIV statistics when it is one's prerogative to test or not. I have observed a growing tendency among Ugandans that seems to discourage debate on social, political and economic issues. This is bad for theintellect because issues are not thoroughly discussed. I believe the doctor’s suggestions were in good faith.Joe NgabiranoKampala