Goa, Oct. 10 -- SAMIR NAZARETH

A recent visit to a hospi tal for a colonoscopy brought to the fore the mindset on toilets which can explain some of India's current challenges. The hospital had insuffi cient toilets for out-patients. These were badly designed and not well-maintained. The ICU had a single toilet for patients. It also served as a storeroom for bedpans and mops. Patients seemed unconcerned about the con dition of toilets because it was not top of mind. It was inconceivable doctors and management of this top pri vate hospital were unaware of the condition of the toi lets and its potential health hazards. Even in this modern hos pital, toilets are given step child-like treatment.

The highly qualified doctors and hospital mana...