Abstract
The effects of nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the political and moral context surrounding their use are discussed. The rationale for development of the Indian and Pakistani nuclear weapons programmes are summarised and critically examined in comparison to the costs of the programmes and the social needs, which could have been addressed. Alternative routes to provide peace and security are proposed, both for India, Pakistan, and other nuclear-weapon states, with particular emphasis on the role of physicians and other health workers.
Acknowledgements
This paper is adapted from a talk in Hamilton, Ontario on Nagasaki Day, 9 August 2006 and from a presentation for Indian Doctors for Peace and Disarmament, Ludhiana 7 April 2002. I thank Navjyot Bedi, Floyd Rudmin, Mark Leith and Tordis S⊘rensen H⊘if⊘dt for constructive criticism.