I would like to add to the two doctors' views on the subject of race ('What has race to do with driving ability or poverty?' Nov 12 and 'Where race matters', Nov 8).

I'm a medical doctor in the government and I serve the public regardless of their ethnic or social income. I can say that both doctors are right up to a certain extent. However, as far as medical disease and race are concerned, the mode of the treatment will not be changed but it's rather how we tackle different presentations of diseases.

So, from our medical practice, we know that each race has its own perception/view (hallmark) toward some diseases e.g. nasopharyngeal carcinoma is commonly found in Chinese, anaemia in Indian and Malays. As such, this is a common 'extra' medical knowledge that we must accept.

Definitely we can't change these perceptions about races. It is not a cause-effect problem but rather a general association. Ultimately, everybody holds the responsibility to cure any type of diseases.

I agree that it is nonsensical to divulge one's race in certain forms such as those pertaining to driving licences, contests, etc. but it is definitely significant to have one's race stated in the blood investigation form.