From the editors: Why Dubai’s new health insurance plan is a game changer

A GAME CHANGER IN DUBAI’S HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN Dubai’s decision to make the basic health insurance plans in the emirate cover treatment for mental disorders and to also bring alternative modes of treatment such as Ayurveda and Homoeopathy under the basic plan is a more-than-welcome move. This will go a long way in ensuring a comprehensive coverage primarily for blue-collar workers earning monthly salaries of up to Dh4,000, because this is the category that comes under the ambit of the Essential Basic Plan (EBP). With this new provision, Dubai has yet again proved that not only is it determined to provide cutting-edge health-care facilities and infrastructure to its residents and visitors, but is also ready to walk that extra mile to make sure that even those without adequate financial means are not deprived of the benefits of a health safety-net. (COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor)

BIDEN ADMITS HE CANNOT ALTER AFGHANISTAN’S FUTURE In astonishing remarks, US President Joe Biden seemed to all but admit that America cannot change Afghanistan. “No nation has ever unified Afghanistan, no nation. Empires have gone there and not done it,” he said, referring to the British in the 1800s, and the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Indirectly, he was adding America to the list of these ‘empires’. His words will further demoralise the hapless government in Kabul, which is losing territory and bases to the Taliban insurgents at an alarming rate. President Ashraf Ghani must realise now - if he hasn’t already - that Afghanistan is essentially on its own. The Afghan troops must stand and fight to defend their country, and not allow the few gains of the past two decades to be lost. Afghanistan is at another crucial crossroads in its history. Government forces have a job to do. (COMMENT BY Omar Shariff, International Editor)

NOT EVEN COVID-19 OUTBREAK CAN STOP ENGLAND THRASHING PAKISTAN Even though England were playing with a depleted and inexperienced side due to a COVID-19 outbreak, they still managed to thrash full-strength Pakistan by nine wickets in the first one-day international in Cardiff. The hosts had to name an entirely new squad earlier this week which included five debutants and many believed it would give Pakistan the upper hand but the visitors were bowled out for 141 in 35.2 overs at Sophia Gardens. They couldn’t have made a worse start as opener Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed with the very first ball of the match by seamer Saqib Mahmood who was playing only his fourth ODI and with his third ball, he had Pakistan captain Babar Azam caught at slip. Mahmood took 4-42, Craig Overton in only his second match got 2-23 and leg-spinner Matt Parkinson 2-28 in his third. Dawid Malan (68) and Zak Crawley (58) eased England to victory with more than half the innings remaining. The second ODI is at Lord’s tomorrow and England have an unexpected 1-0 lead in the three-match series. (COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor)

SPREADING POSITIVITY Queen Elizabeth has visited the set of ‘Coronation Street’, which is the world’s longest-running television soap drama. The monarch interacted with cast members and crew and they appreciated the gesture. During these tough times for those in the movie and TV businesses, such a visit would surely have lifted their spirits and given them the motivation to keep pushing forward. Whether it’s actors or crew members or those working in the background, their work is important in keeping us all entertained even during the low phases. (COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features)