HEALTH

Department to set up TB society
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, April 12 — A TB society to monitor and help in spreading awareness about the disease and treatment campaign of tuberculosis will soon be set up by the UT Health Department.

According to the Director, Health Services, Dr Joginder Singh, keeping in view the magnitude of the disease, the proposal has been framed and is likely to be finalised by the end of May. The society will try and assure a regular supply of drugs so that patients are not forced to leave the treatment midway.

The supply of the drug in city hospitals and clinics is reported to be irregular during the last two years. The committee will streamline the quota of medicines provided by the Government in such a way that it reaches the poor and needy. The health authorities have also tied up with the World Health Organisation for smooth functioning and regular supply of free medicines.

The committee will ensure the implementation of the Centre's guidelines with regard to the presence of the TB society in each state, to stage an effective fight against the infectious disease, which if not controlled, proves fatal. The funds allocated by the Union Government for the purpose will also be handled by the committee, which will plan the awareness and treatment programme of TB.

The official figures reveal that 2,365 cases have been reported at different chest and TB clinics in the city till February. Most of these cases are reported from the economically weaker sections of society, which lack proper sanitation and hygienic environment.

The DHS further says they are tying up with various NGOs and agencies for spreading awareness about the disease in both rural and urban areas. "We will organise plays, talks and seminars at all levels so that the message can reach one and all," he adds. Efforts will also be made to involve village panchayats to tap people at grassroots level.

ECG for Rs 30 only
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, April 12 — The new multi-channel ECG unit will start functioning at Charitable Diagnostic Centre run by Bharat Vikas Parishad at Indira Holiday Home, Sector 24, tomorrow.

According to a press note issued here today, the rates of ECG have been fixed at Rs 30 as against Rs 150 in the market.

SPORT

School's new cricket session begins
By Our Sports Reporter

CHANDIGARH, April 12 — The new cricket session of St John's High School began in the presence of Dr Ravinder Chadha today.

Brother C D' Abreu, Principal of the school, appreciated the efforts of the school coach. Dr Ravinder Chadha laid stress on the importance of physical fitness. He felt that sport and studies could go together. He said only two hours of regular practice was sufficient to improve performance. He told parents of some of the trainees not to put pressure for the selection of their wards out of the way.

Brother Abreu announced the laying of two turf wickets and four wickets for practice. Mr Daljit Singh of the Punjab Cricket Association promised help in laying of turf wickets. About 50 boys were present. The cricket calendar for the practice session for 2000-2001 was also released. The school will have the third Blessed Edmund Rice Cricket Tournament in October and inter-school matches for under-14 and under-16 age groups in October and November.

Cricket tourney: An unbeaten hurricane knock of 71 runs by Pawan enabled Bhakra Beas Management Board beat Haryana Tourism Corporation by eight wickets in the inaugural Salzer Cup League Cricket Tournament being organised by the District Panchkula Cricket Association at Sector 5 Cricket Grounds, Panchkula. Brief scores — HTC: 135 for 9 in 25 overs (Satya Prakash 31, Rajesh Joon 19, Subhash 18, Satbir 16, Mahipal 3 for 27, Baljeet Bawa 2 for 18); BBMB: 136 for 4 in 14.3 overs (Pawan 71 n.o., Baljeet Bawa 21 n.o., Satbir Singh 2 for 27).

In another match, Life Insurance Corporation had a tie with Punjab National Bank as both teams scored 156 runs. Brief scores — LIC: 156 for 7 in 25 overs (Sumit Chauhan 55, Kuldip Tikka 27, Anil Arya 21, Deepinder Chhabra 20, Ashok 3 for 24, Anil Sharma 3 for 21); PNB: 156 for 9 in 25 overs (Rajiv 32, Naresh 21, Anil Arya 2 for 11, Amarjeet 2 for 11).

ADMINISTRATION

UHBVN counters open on April 14, 15
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, April 12—Due to continuous holidays from April 12 to 16, the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) will keep its cash collection centres open on April 14 and 15 and accept payment of bills in districts of Panchkula, Ambala, Yamuna Nagar, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Sonepat, Rohtak, Jind and Jhajjar, a press note issued by the Department's official spokesperson said here today.