Over 1.5 lakh kids get polio drops
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — In the first cycle of the four-phased Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme—1999-2000, about 1.5 lakh children up to five years were immunised today in the city, Panchkula and SAS Nagar.

In the city about 91,000 children got polio drops. The city had a target of immunising almost 1,30,000 children against polio for which 324 immunisation booths and 20 mobile vans had been arranged by the Health Department, UT, and the Chandigarh Administration.

In the next two days, the city would see a house-to-house immunisation programme, in which health workers will visit various households to give polio vaccine drops to all those children who could not make it to the booths today.

This year the pulse polio programme had also introduced the concept of identification marks, in which non-toxic ink was applied on finger of the immunised children.

According to Dr Minocha, Director Family Welfare, and the coordinator of the drive, the response in rural sectors was better than in urban areas, a phenomenon which was experienced last year as well.

Meanwhile, many non-government organisations (NGOs) also came forward in this drive. The Citizens Awareness Group, Sector 38, immunised about 9000 children at 23 centres set up at sectors 38, 39, 40, Peer Colony, Lal Bahadur Shastri Colony, Mohali barrier and Palsora Village. The International Association of Lions Club, with the help of the Health Department, UT, organised pulse polio camps at 85 booths and administered polio drops to more than 40,000children. The programme was also carried out by 127Bn CRPF in association with the UT Administration and the Lions Club Chandigarh and gave polio drops to more than 8,000 children.

The dates for the next three cycles are — November 21, December 19 and January 23.

PANCHKULA: The pulse polio drive began here with fanfare as over 40 vehicles, supporting the slogan 'Agar ek bhi bachha chhoot gaya, to surksha chakra toot gaya', were despatched in different directions, covering 298 posts in the district, on Sunday. Over 52,000 children were administered the vaccine in the rural and urban areas.

The Chief Medical Officer, Dr HC Nagpal, said the turnout in rural areas was more than in urban areas. "We had identified as many as 54,611 children in the age group of 0 to 59 months in our area. Also, special care was taken to cover the risk-pockets of the colonies in different sectors of the district. Mobile vans and special teams were sent to these areas especially,'' he added.

As many as 600 cold chain vaccine carriers were used to carry the vaccine from hospital to various booths. A team of four persons was appointed at all posts. Also, special identification cards were issued to children in the area a couple of days ago on the basis of the list with the department.

"This system will help us achieve 100 per cent immunisation in the district. While the names of all children who came to the hospital as also to the other booths have been ticked, the children who could not make it today will be administered the drops to morrow. Our teams will go from door-to-door to ensure no child is left out for the next two days,'' Dr Nagpal informed.

The youngest child to be administered the vaccine was a one-hour-old baby of Mrs Pushpa, a resident of Sector 12, Senior Medical Officer of the General Hospital, Sector 6, Mrs Kamla Singh, informed after the drive.

Special posts were put up at the bus stand and railway station. Deputy Commissioner SK Monga inaugurated the drive.

SAS NAGAR: Around 10,000 children below five years of age were given polio drops here today. The state health authorities had set up at least 38 posts to cover the township intensively.

At the 33 posts set up by the local civil hospital, 7120 children were immunised. The coordinator of the immunisation programme here, Dr I.J.S.Bhatia, said the maximum number of children, 600 were given the polio drops at a post at Guru Nanak Colony in Phase XI.

At the two mobile posts in Industrial Area and in front of the Verka milk plant in Phase VI, 364 children were immunised. The staff at the mobile post were assisted by trained personnel of CRPF.

The total number of children immunised at the five posts manned by the government dispensary in Phase 3B2 here, however, could not be confirmed. The local civil hospital authorities had set a target of around 10,000 children. The door-to-door campaign to immunise the children who were left out today would be held on October 25 and 26. Dr Bhatia said an ink mark was put on the finger of each child immunised today to help the health staff when they start the door-to-door drive.

Dr Upma Sharma, Medical Officer of the Ranbaxy Healthcare Society, said at the two posts manned by the society at Mohali village and the Phase VI barrier, as many as 618 children were given the polio drops.

Kids paint on polio, Divali
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — As many as 40 students in the age group of 3 to13 years participated in a painting competition organised by the Go Bananas Kids Club at Bal Bhavan, Sector 23, today.

Today being the first phase of the pulse polio programme, the theme for the older children was polio, while the others had to draw and paint on Divali. Children below five years coloured cartoon figures.

According to Ms Anu Vala, Director of the club, the painting competition was organised as part of the club's endeavour to give the little ones an exposure. A healthy competitive spirit motivates a child to enhance his creativity and work to his full capacity.

While Mr V.N Singh, Director, Museum and Art gallery judged the competition, Mrs Veena Kapoor, film director and producer from Mumbai, gave away the prizes to the winners.

Aryana Vala and Mallika Manchanda were the winners in the below six category, Twinkle Arora and Isha Jain in the 6 to 9 category and Nandita Mahajan and Prachleen in the category of children above 9 years.

All participants were given participation gifts.

If pain on left side, go to cardiologist
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — If a middle-aged person gets pain on the left side, which goes up to the left arm or to the jaw and lasts for 20 minutes or more, immediate medical help should be sought. This could be a sign of a heart disease.

Such issues of chest pain and heart diseases were discussed today at the one-day continuing medical education (CME) on Internal Medicine, held at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), organised by the Department of Internal Medicine, PGI.

The CME also discussed recent advances in diagnosis and management of common medical disorders.

The first symposium of the day focussed on chest pain, in which experts said that all patients complaining of a chest pain should go in for immediate examination and ECG testing. They also added that today drugs are available to cure this disease.

The symposium was coordinated by Dr Harinder Malhotra and the panelists included Dr Jagmohan Verma, Dr Sanjay Jain, Dr D K Bhasin and Dr Savita Kumari.

On the issue of heart diseases, the experts further added that in case of a diabetic, a smoker or sometimes even elderly people, pain in the chest may not be always experienced, but if these people complain of acute breathlessness, doctor's help should be immediately sought.

Convention ends with march
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — The four-day convention on the theme of "one family, one earth, one vision", organised by the Simla-Chandigarh Diocese Youth Commission concluded with a peace rally by participants from the Sector 19 Catholic Church to Sector 17 here today.

Hundreds of youth from all over the region participated in the convention and the peace rally aimed at creating and strengthening the faith among them and to enable them to face the challenges of the next millennium and to build a new society for themselves.

According to Mr Roshan Alaxandra, Acting president of the commission, the youth would be forced to reckon with in the next millennium so the commission decided to tap them in its effort to build a new India. "We are telling them that this is their country and they should resolve to remove all ills such as poverty and illetracy from it," he added, claiming that as many as 280 delegates from Patiala, Bathinda, Karnal and Simla participated in the convention and rally.

Participants from different states presented Himachali and Haryanavi dances, giddha and bhangra on this occasion. A prayer service was also conducted by youths for peace and harmony in the country.

Exhibition on UN opens
From Our Correspondent

PANCHKULA, Oct 24 — An exhibition portraying the role of the United Nations Organisation (UNO), was inaugurated today at Government Degree College in Sector 1.

The function, organised to commemorate the United Nations Day, was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner of Panchkula, Mr S.K. Monga, who was also the chief guest.

The Indian Tricolour along with the UN flag was hoisted by the Deputy Commissioner to mark the 54th anniversary of the UN.

Mr Monga, lauded the role of the UN towards shaping a peaceful and a prosperous world. He said, on October 24, 1945, when the UN was founded at San Fransisco, the primary objective was to free the world from the menace of wars, after it had witnessed the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He added that the vision, charter and the perspective of the UN had changed considerably over the years, with various multidimentional roles it had performed to outline the social and economic parameters in the world.

A declamation contest titled 'Role of the UN in the Modern Age' was also held on the occasion. Amit stood first, followed by Rishi Vohra. Monica Sharma secured the third position. All are of government degree college. In the junior section, Inderdeep of DAV Model School stool first, followed by Kanupriya of Bhavan Vidyalaya. Manorma of Government Senior Secondary School came third.

A poster-making competition was also held which was contested by students of various schools in the district. DAV Senior Secondary School, Sector 8, won the first prize. The panel of judges included the District Education Officer (DEO), Ms Phool Khetri, along with Ms Indira Rani Rao and Mr Subash Wadhwa, both lecturers of the college.

Other dignitaries present on the occasion included the Superintendent of Police, Mr Sudhir Chaudhary, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Ms Sukriti Lekhi, and representatives of the Sector Welfare Associations.

Himachali students present Sangam'99
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — A colourful cultural function 'Sangam-99' was presented by the All-Himachal Students Association at the Panjab University auditorium here today.

The chief guest, Mr Kishori Lal Vaidya, Industry Minister of Himachal Pradesh, called upon students to strive to create a strong nation. "We should collectively fight inner and outer forces disturbing the peace of the country.''

He praised Himachali students studying on the campus for maintaining cordial relations with their teachers. He announced a grant of Rs 16,000 from his personal fund for the promotion of cultural activities of the association. He highlighted the importance of folk music and dance in the state. The minister also performed 'nati' with the students and also recited poems.

Earlier, a group of girls of the Department of Public Relations and Cultural Affairs performed folk dances of Chamba and Mandi.

The programme which began with a 'vandana' had a variety of folk songs and dances, besides well enacted mimicry items. Meenakshi Rana and Pankaj Sharma were the comperes.

The President of the Panjab University Students Council, D.P.S. Randhawa, also gave a gran of Rs 1,100 to the organisation for this function.

Meanwhile, Prof T.R. Sharma, was given Captain Vikram Batra Award, instituted in the memory of the Kargil hero. Students who had excelled in various sports and extra-curricular activities were given certificates of merit by the chief guest. Later, the association President, Vijay Chauhan, proposed a vote of thanks.

Colourful show by kids
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Oct 24 — The junior school students of Hansraj Public School, Sector 6, presented a delightful programme on their annual day here today. The programme was a synthesis of the modern and the traditional, presented with enthusiasm while the music in the background kept the spirits high.

The programme began with a welcome song and dance item. Steeped in tradition, the dance was a visual treat for the audience. 'Bilote Ki Sair', a dance-drama, gave the message of living in harmony with the environment.

The item 'Candyman' was a big hit with the crowd. The performance was coupled by the Aqua number 'Candyman'.

Remo Fernandez's 'Maria Pitashi' virtually transported the audience to Goa. Recreating the scene of the beach, students danced with gay abandon as the music rolled on.

'Chandamama', a musical, portrayed the desire of tiny-tots to have the moon and their fervent appeals to the tottering grandmother. Finally, the moon made an appearance and took them to his land.

A puppet show 'Kathputli' was the story of a little girl who shirked classwork and going to school, ultimately realising that work always paid.

The grand finale was also spectacular with the sky lighting up with sparklers of different colours.

Earlier, the Principal, Dr Rajni Thareja, read out the annual report of the school and the chief guest, Mr S.C. Chaudhary, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Haryana, lighted a lamp to inaugurate the function. Also present at the function were Mr S.K. Monga, Deputy Commissioner and Mr Abhilaksh Likhi, Administrator of HUDA.

Fashion show by children
From Our Correspondent

PANCHKULA, Oct 24 — A fashion show was held on the concluding day of the annual fete organised by the Satluj Public School in Sector 4 here today.

Young boys and girls from the school participated in the show, demonstrating their skills on the ramp. The Director of the school, Mr P.S. Sarei, said the purpose of the fashion show was to prepare model persons and not models.

Many people took part in a jam session organised in the school. The funds raised by the fete would help the school develop a resource room for providing free education for orphans, Mr Krit G.S. Sarei, principal, said.

Tributes paid to Balmiki
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — Rich tributes were paid to Maharishi Balmiki at a function held in the Sector 24 Maharishi Valmik Mandir here this afternoon. The local MP, Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, was the chief guest.

Others who attended the function were Dr Karam Singh Raju, President, Maharishi Valmik Bhavan Committee, Mr Babu Lal, Director, Social Welfare Punjab, Mr Kewal Krishan Addiwal, Mayor of Chandigarh, and Mr Chaman Lal Sharma, President, Chandigarh Club.

Others who attended the special congregation included leaders of local units of various political parties.

PANCHKULA: Tributes were paid to Maharishi Balmiki at a function organised by the Maharishi Ashram Sabha in Rajiv Colony, here, today.

The function was inaugurated by the MP from Ambala, Mr Rattan Lal Kataria. A puja and havan ceremony along with a bhandara were organised by the sabha members to mark the day.

Mr Kataria, highlighted the contributions of Maharishi Valmiki towards the society especially for the uplift of weaker sections.

A 10-point charter of demands was presented to the MP on the occasion. Mr Gulab Singh, President of the sabha, said their demands included allotment of two marla plots, separate posts for sweepers and chowkidars, representation of the Valmiki Sabha in the National Sweepers Commission and grant of new ration cards for the residents of the village.

Other demands included adequate power and water supply to the village and allocation of a special package for its development.

Power cuts worry patients
From Our Correspondent

PANCHKULA, Oct 24 — Following power cuts imposed by the Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam (HVPN), patients visiting the General Hospital in Sector 6 here are a worried lot.

The worst hit by the power cuts is the emergency ward of the hospital. There is no provision to handle emergency cases during power cuts. The hospital is devoid of any power generator.

Doctors have to face tough time treating patients without electricity, especially in the operation theatre. There is no provision of supplying round-the-clock power and water to the hospital.

There is no drinking water supply in the afternoon hours.

The hospital witnesses a virtual blackout in the evenings, making things miserable for the general ward patients and those admitted in the intensive care unit.

‘India needs to develop N-capacity’
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — The Centre for Rural Research and Industrial Development (CRRID) kicked off a structured discussion on 'India's Nuclear Doctrine' by bringing together an informed and concerned group in diverse fields to voice its views on relevant issues and look into deeper implications during a two-day session at its Sector 19 headquarters here.

The proposed doctrine of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) says that there is a need for substantial and growing nuclear-weapon force in the country in the coming years. It projects the dangerous and uncharted world of nuclear risk from more than one quarter of the world and the need for a nuclear deterrent.

Deliberating on the topic, participants saw it in terms of security environment of the nation and other development priorities. The actual proposals regarding the nature of the deterrent structure and what it meant in practical terms was also taken up. There various opinions on how large a nuclear establishment was needed and what form it could take. While there was no specific idea on what the costs could be, an attempt was made to look at the estimated cost in the light of the country's ability to pay for it.

It was also said that we were looking at a long-term programme of over 30 years and not what was just reflected in the forthcoming budget. A major focus was also on the need to idenify threat perceptions and see from where these security threats came. The need to develop our nuclear capacity further assumed importance in the wake of two armed neighbours, Pakistan and China, it was said.

Prof Ram Chander Gandhi, a renowned philosopher, and Mr Ravi Dayal, a prominent publisher, said India's historic quest for global nuclear disarmament must also be emphasised as we were looking for nuclear deterrence. They also said nuclear weapons were dangerous in themselves.

Mr Salman Haidar, a fomer Foreign Secretary, who is the programme Advisor at the CRRID, said the subject being vast in its scope and implications, further discussion and group meetings would be organised, both outside and within the CRRID. Among the participants who attended the first meeting to launch the programme were Ambassador, Ms Arundhati Ghosh, former Foreign Secretary, Mr T.N Kaul, who was the Secretary to Mr Rajiv Gandhi, Mr G.K Arora, Prof M. Zuveri and Mr Bharat Karnad, two members of the NSAB, experts of the Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis, representatives of the Ministry of External Affairs, retired senior civil servants and defence officers, besides some eminent residents of the city. Mr Haider said no attempt was made to reach the agreed aims. Sustained discussions on the issue would go a long way in framing a nuclear doctrine for the country.

Copper utensils bad for boys: experts
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — The two-day continuing nursing education (CNE) update on paediatric nursing concluded here today at the Advanced Paediatric Centre of the PGI.

The CNE, which had been organised with the objective of training nurses, discussed various issues of hospitalisation of children, care of children suffering from various diseases and also psycho-social aspects of children admitted to hospitals.

An exhibition of various medical products and equipment was also put up on the occasion.

According to Mrs C Daniel, Nursing Superintendent, PGI, nurses require to update their knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care to the patient. This conference had given an opportunity for scientific exchange of views on different aspects of paediatric nursing care.

On the current trends in breast feeding, Mrs Uma said that the morbidity and mortality are 10 to 15 times higher in bottle-fed babies than in breast-fed babies.

On the subject of advances in management of poisoned children, Mrs Minakshi said toddlers are at an increased risk because of their spontaneous activity, curiosity, innocence, mouthing of objects and imitation of adults.

Mrs Anita Tiwari, while discussing copper storage disorder in children, said that excess of copper in body could cause a multisystem disease, which is confined to those where brown and copper utensils are commonly used for storing, cooking and storage of water. She also added that boys and first male children had a higher possibility of having excess copper storage disorder, seen in the age group of nine to 39 months.

On the issue of wheat allergy, Mrs Surinder Kaur said that children affected with this disease have grossly distended abdomen and pass large stools which are pale, offensive with high fat content. This allergy disorder, she said, could be diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy, malabsorption, and serological studies.

Mrs Urmil Sharma, while speaking on maintaining body temperature of children,said that mortality and morbidity rate is increased if the body temperature is not maintained. She added that oxygen and metabolic rate also increases in such cases.

Others issues discussed were hospital practices hindering and facilitating mother-child bonds in the intensive care unit, role of nurses in prevention and control of infection in paediatric unit and importance of immunization and its schedule.

Women discuss marriage
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — Enthusiastic discussions on health awareness for women and motherhood were the highlights of a seminar on the concluding day of the three-day Women Fiesta '99 at Leisure Valley here today.

The fiesta was organised by the Forum for Women Issues, a networking social organisation, with the help of the Punjland management, a local event organiser.

Ms Tejinder Minocha, secretary of the Red Cross Society, underlined various programmes for women welfare undertaken by the society, adding that women's well-being demanded a lot of attention because future of a child depended on that aspect.

Ms Rachna Mehra, sales director of the Lotus Education Network, with the help of audio-visual facility, illuminated the audience about various aspects that needed greater attention in shaping up students. The information was significant for parents to understand various aspects related to education while guiding their children.

Dr Ramneeq Sharma, secretary of Surya, also spoke on the occasion.

The stalls of healing management through Reiki by Ms Bindu Anand and of ethnic collection of Mr Harjot Sandhu were among the stalls which generated public interest. An enquiry about the future modelling world was another stall which witnessed rush.

The crowd presence was better compared to the previous two days.

The day also saw an interactive debate on women issues. Marriage and single woman issues figured top on the agenda. The panel comprised Ms Zoya Raikhy (artist), Ms Shreshta Mehta (politician), Ms Sudeep Minhas (lecturer in the English Department of Panjab University) and Ms Rajesh Gill (Department of Sociology).

Ms Puneet Gill, PRO of the event, said that the forum came up recently and the event was a step towards popularisation. There were more than 10 members of the group. The effort was to inform women about opportunities and not merely colourful fetes to generate money .

The event coincides with the Progressive Women's Week from October 18 to 24. Rangoli and ''mehndi'' competitions were also organised apart from staging a play by Gurcharan.

Women plan global march
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — A state-level convention of the Punjab Istri Sabha was held here today to work out the plan for the 'Global Women's March 2000' to begin on International Women's day, March 8, 2000.

Mrs Oshima Raikhy, President of the sabha referred to the two main issues being highlighted by this march — that of increasing violence against women and girl child and increasing poverty, especially among women in developing nations.

Mrs Promila Loomba, Vice-President, National Federation of Indian Women, inaugurated the convention.

The march would culminate on World Anti-Poverty Day on October 17, 2000, when women will demonstrate in front of the head offices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in the USA.

SNIPPETS

Eye care camp organised
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — An eye check-up camp was organised by Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Eye Hospital, Sohana, at Nehru Park, Sector 22, here today.

The camp was organised by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Lions Club, Mohali, and Charlie Jeans.It was inaugurated by Mr A.M.Nagar, Deputy General Manager, IOC.

More than 3500 patients got their eyes examined from an eye OPD and about 325 patients attended the free operative camp. The camp had also provided for an ayurvedic OPD, which was attended by almost 384 patients and even a dental OPD.

There was also an exhibition for the public regarding latest facilities available at the hospital in Sohana for various eye ailments. Photographs of many facilities were also exhibited.

The camp also provided patients medicines free of cost. A 'langar' was put up for them later in the day. The hospital at Sohana has a free allopathic, homeopathic, dental and ayurvedic dispensary.

Pensioners denied pay panel recommendations
Tribune News Service

SAS NAGAR, Oct 24 — The Punjab Government Pensioners Welfare Association has criticised the state government for not implementing all recommendations of the Fourth Pay Commission regarding the pensioners

The President of the SAS Nagar unit of the Punjab Government Pensioners Welfare Association, Mr Prem Singh Gill, said the old age allowance at a rate of 5 per cent and 10 per cent at the age of 65 and 75 was recommended by the commission, but the state government had not allowed the same to its pensioners.

He said other demands were medical allowance at a rate of Rs 500 per month , dearness allowance as on July 1,1993, to be considered as dearness pay for pensionary benefits and restoration of computed portion of pension after 10 years.

Further, the government while implementing the recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission had left out pensioners who retired between January 1986 and January 1996.

‘Probe pension disbursement’
From Our Correspondent

KHARAR, Oct 24 — Mr Daljeet Singh Saini, President, Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal, Kharar, has urged the Punjab Government to conduct an inquiry by the Vigilance Department into the sanctioning of old-age and widow pensions in this area.

Mr Saini in a press note issued here today alleged that pensions were not sanctioned in a proper way and many persons who belonged to well-to-do families were getting these pensions.