HEALTH

Conference on gynaecology
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, February 14
The department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital will organise the North Zone Conference of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society of North India, on February 16, in the Dumra Auditorium. Over 150 delegates from all over the north zone are expected to attend the event and to share their views on the various aspects of the topic, ‘Pregnancy in Rh-negative Mother’.

Dr Kumkum Avasthi, is the organising secretary of the conference and Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the DMCH said that the event would be inaugurated by Mr Prem Nath Gupta, secretary managing society, of DMCH and director, Hero DMC Heart Institute.

Afterwards, the first scientific session will take place in which Dr Vanita Malhotra, Prof and Executive Head, Department of Pathology, will talk about the ‘Rh factor and Iso Immunisation’.

Dr Sarla Malhotra, Prof Obst. and Gynae, PGI, Chandigarh will speak on the topic ‘Obstetrical Management of Rh-negative Mother’. Dr Kavita Saggar, Reader, Radiology Department, DMCH, will tell about the ‘Role of Ultrasound in Rh-negative pregnancy’. Dr Indu Gupta, Professor, Obst. and Gynae, PGI, will talk about the ‘Intauerine blood transfusion’. Dr Veena Parmar, Professor and Head, Paediatrics Department, Government Medical College, will speak about the ‘Management of Rh-negative baby’. This will be followed by the discussions, so that the delegates can clarify their doubts regarding various topics. The second scientific session will follow in the afternoon. Papers will be read by delegates in the evening.

Strike by health dept employees
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, February 14
Members of the district unit of the Punjab Health Department Subordinate Officers Clerical Association (PHDSOCA) went on strike today to protest against the transfer of its district president Satwinder Singh to Patiala by department officials.

Mr Bikramjit, district additional secretary of the association, in a statement said that a complaint against Mr Satwinder Singh had been lodged to the Punjab Election Commission by Mr Sukhdev Singh Libra. The complainant had levelled charges that the district president was openly supporting the SAD/BJP candidate, Mr Amrik Singh Aliwal. “But Mr Sukhdev Singh Libra denied of lodging any such complaint against Mr Satwinder Singh in one of the news reports published on February 7. He had even said that his letter head had been misused by someone”, said Mr Bikramjit.

Mr Joginder Singh Grewal, another member of the association, said that on the basis of complaint, an enquiry was marked to the Civil Surgeon, who was to submit its report on the issue. Members further said that the report was submitted in favour of Mr Satwinder Singh by the Civil Surgeon on February 5.

The additional secretary maintained that they were surprised to get the transfer orders of Mr Satwinder Singh to Patiala on February 12. “The transfer orders were issued on February 8 but we received the orders on February 12 (through fax). I am unable to understand the reason for this four days’ delay. The department could have faxed the orders on February 8 itself”, said Mr Bikramjit.

The agitating employees said that all allegations against the president were baseless and demanded immediate cancellation of transfer orders. “The department has failed to prove the charges and we will continue the strike till the transfer orders of Mr Satwinder Singh are cancelled”, said Mr Joginder Singh.

ADMINISTRATION

Steps initiated for maintenance of parks
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, February 14
The Municipal Corporation has initiated several steps to bring in a qualitative improvement in the maintenance of more than 700 parks in different localities of the city. In addition to toning up the ‘Park Maintenance Committees’ (PMCs) comprising members of public, the MC would allocate more funds, both for the civil works and landscaping and more importantly, motivate the residents for their involvement in this task.

Addressing a meeting of the office-bearers of PMCs in the meeting hall of the MC headquarters here today, the MC Commissioner, Mr R.L. Kalsia, announced that a sub-committee of officials would be set up to conduct a survey of the parks to assess the extent of civil works, landscaping and fencing that need to be done and the financial involvement for these works. Some 500 odd parks have been entrusted to PMCs’ for maintenance the committees are being paid at the rate of Re 1 per square meter for the job.

Responding to the general complaints of delay in making payments for the maintenance work to the respective PMCs, he said directions had already been issued to release payment of monthly bills within 10 days at the most. Mr Kalsia remarked that in view of proliferating industrial activity, there was a pressing need for massive plantation at vacant spots in the city and the residents should plant trees in order to maintain ecological balance and check air pollution. As another step in this direction, the MC would organise a day-long workshop-cum-demonstration at Rose Garden on March 17 to educate the office-bearers of the PMCs about different varieties of plants and landscaping.

All work, no pay
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 14
Around 65 government employees, who were kept as reserve staff for election duty, have so far not been given poll incentive. However, the Deputy Commissioner, Mr S.K. Sandhu, said the issue would be taken after the completion of polling.

One of the teachers, who was kept in reserve staff at the Lions Bhavan, said they had been made to undergo the rehearsals and all the required training. But they had not been paid the poll incentive. He claimed that a senior officer in the local administration had told them that the issue would be considered later on.