Valentine’s Day is not all about commerce

Valentine's Day's holds a special meaning for many people, a reader says. Other topics: US veto, medical treatments

Valentine’s Day holds meaning for many people despite its commercialisation. Sarah Dea / The National

I enjoyed reading your views on Valentine's Day (What's love got to do with Valentine's Day?, February 14). However, given the condition of the world, I am not going to complain about people who want to express their love to one another through a simple card, flowers or more expensive gifts. It is not up to us to judge others. Whether it is a fake and commercial, I believe the occasion is still significant as it serves as a reminder to us for the rest of the year that we ought to love each other. Love is the biggest gift of all and only the wise know it.

Christina Toebast, Dubai

Why can’t UN take US to task?

I refer to the story UN chief 'deeply' regrets veto of Palestinian ex-PM as Libya envoy (February 14). Why the United Nations has been tolerating such behaviour of the United States for years is a mystery to me.

The US owes the UN membership fees of $800 million (Dh29.3 billion) and is thus by far the largest debtor. At the same time, the US is acting up as master of war and peace on the UN Security Council.

The trial of strength between the US and the UN on the appointment of Salam Fayyad could be finished quickly. The UN only had to have the courage to make one thing clear: “Whoever does not pay the membership fees will be out” (which is common practice in any other organisations).

That would have shown how serious Donald Trump really is about his “America first”.

Michael Pfeiffer, Germany

Issues over treatments here

Reading today about a doctor wondering why people go abroad for health care (Emiratis should look closer to home for hospital treatment, 3D printing surgeon says, February 12), I have found that while many doctors here are outstanding – my cardiologist is an example – it's hit or miss.

I recently needed a knee replacement and after interviewing four doctors here, I had the surgery abroad. I found the surgeons here arrogant. One even wanted to use a device that was recalled for a high rate of failure. But clearly my main reason, which seems to be a familiar story here, is that the doctors here have the bedside manner of dictators.

They forget that patients are, in fact, customers and should be treated with decorum and courtesy. And that many of us have as much, if not more, education and should not be treated like ignorant villagers.

Steve Kaiser, Dubai

I am a cancer survivor, thanks to Dr John Devine and the fantastic team of doctors and nurses at Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

To have such a world class surgeon taking care of me in Abu Dhabi was more than I could have hoped for. The care at the hospital allowed me to recover and get back to work in three months. There was also an opportunity for my wife to stay with me at the hospital to complement the daily care and support from the nursing staff.

Once discharged from the hospital, it was easy to continue my recovery at home and get back to work soon.

The occasional visits to the hospital were organised without disrupting my working schedule.

To have tried to do this in a different country would have added so much extra stress to an already difficult situation.

Health care in the UAE is first class: don’t miss out on the excellent doctors and nurses who are here. I owe my life and speed of recovery to the skills of Dr Devine, his team and my wife.

I will never forget April 19, when I was given the chance to say to death: “Not today, I am not ready for you”. Life is good.

Peter Gabris, Abu Dhabi