Unfair to cheat way in to med school

MANY Indian students have left home to study medicine overseas in countries like China, which is why the recent letters on the issue of cheating for places at medical school touched a nerve for our family (Sunday Tribune, November 13 and 20).

While experiencing the same difficulties and despite the sacrifices made to go out and study, students (who study overseas) are unable to undertake their clinical elective, yet wish to serve our home country upon return to South Africa.

I read about Rivaaz Manisunker faking and cheating his way into medical school and it is discriminatory and biased.

As parents we are resentful that our children have been turned away in our own country’s medical schools and the sacrifice of sending them abroad is financially and emotionally draining.

Some parents continue working after retirement. We have to cut down on our living expenses or use our investments due to the economy and exchange rates.

As Derek Bok, former president of Harvard University, lawyer and educator said: “If you think education is expensive try ignorance.”

Some of us parents even have to take out loans or have younger children deprived and having to be reminded that it’s “so expensive” and “we have priorities now”.

Our cream-of-the-crop children are subjected to disappointment and uncertainty and then have to leave home at 17 for foreign lands to progress.

When Rivaaz graduates and gets his way, ahead of so many of our dedicated children, I wonder if he will serve as a good doctor should? FAKIR EBRAHIM Pietermaritzburg