Letter: No cure for all

IN Andrew Martin's interesting article 'Ireland's accidental tourists' (Review, 14 August), Dr Pat Gallagher referred to thyriod cancer as 'eminently treatable'. This may be so in Western countries, but in Belarus, where doctors lack even the most basic means of health care (painkillers, antibiotics, syringes, needles,), I doubt that this is the case.

A friend in southern Belarus had an essential operation on her thyroid nearly a year ago and was told she would need to take a certain drug for the rest of her life. The hospital gave her all it could spare - four weeks' supply. Her health subsequently deteriorated rapidly.

Claire Chettoe

Wells, Somerset