HEALTH

Medical body raps IMA
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 30
The National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA) has criticised the statement issued by the state unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) for issuing guidelines to non-allopathic doctors.

Referring to the statement, NIMA officials clarified that the right to practice medicine is neither governed by the IMA, which is an autonomous association of allopathic doctors, nor the Medical Council of India (MCI), which governs only the medical education system. The right to practice any kind of medicine is solely governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and rules alone. The same rule that provides right to practice any kind of medicine to MCI’s recognised degree holders provides similar rights to other practitioners, including Dental, Veterinary, ISM or other degree holders and even the practitioners registered on experience basis.

The MCI can issue guidelines or codes of conduct to its own degree holders and not to the degree holders receiving education under other prevailing acts. The NIMA said, the Supreme Court of India, had already given a verdict in favour of all general practitioners, including Integrated Medical degree holders, to practice the modern system of medicine. Even after this verdict, it is unfortunate that IMA officials continue issuing “misleading” statements.

Dr Rajesh Thapar, president NIMA Ludhiana, warned the IMA to refrain from indulging in such practice else NIMA would move contempt of court proceedings against IMA and its officials. At the same time, Dr Thapar pointed out to offer all sorts of assistance to the IMA if it genuinely proceeded to eliminate quackery from the state. Dr Navneet Saggar, former state secretary of NIMA, urged the state government not to be misled by such vague demands of the IMA and ensure to safeguard the rights of integrated degree holders.

SPORTS

LDCA boycott final match
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, June 30
The Ludhiana District Cricket Association (LDCA) boycotted the final match of the VIIth Invitation Cricket Cup Tournament being organised by the College of Agriculture at the PAU grounds, here today. The final match was slated between the Friends Club and LDCA XI.

The association took this decision following their request to allow the LDCA captain, Punjab Ranji player Ankur Kakkar, to play in the final match was turned down by the organisers. Ankur Kakkar was banned from playing in the final for alleged disobeying umpires in the semifinal played on June 23.

Today, in a letter addressed to organisers, signed jointly by Mr Chaman Lal Malhotra and Mr Vinod Chitkara, senior vice-president and general secretary, respectively, of the LDCA, a copy of which was released to the Press, it was stated that the decision of the umpires to ban Ankur Kakkar from playing in the final was biased one, unjustified and against the rules and regulations of the game, so they were forced not to play the tournament.

However, Dr M.S. Mahal, organising secretary, Invitation Cricket Cup Tournament Committee, said Ankur Kakkar was penalised for showing disrespect to the umpires. He also informed that the LDCA conceded the match and the Friends Club was declared the winners. The disciplinary committee of this tournament has also decided to ban the LDCA from taking part in the Invitation Cup Tournament for two years, Dr Mahal said.

Meanwhile, the organisers organised an exhibition match between the Friends Club and Combined XI consisting of players from the PAU and NOC Academy in which the former emerged winners by 85 runs.

In reply to the Friends Club’s total of 216 for 2 made off 25 overs, Combined XI could score 131 for 9 in the allotted overs.

Master XI, Gurnam XI reach semifinals

Master XI and Gurnam XI, Bhaini Sahib, registered their second consecutive victories to reserve their berths in the semifinals in the First Alankar Tony Gold Cup Six-a-Side Hockey Tournament being organised by the Aryan Hockey Club at the Punjab Agricultural University grounds, here today.

Master XI outplayed Doraha Club 1-0. The lone goal was scored by Avtar Singh in the eighth minute of the second half. Gurnam XI, Bhaini Sahib, faced no resistance from the Punjab Police, Ludhiana, as they beat the cops 3-0 to storm their way into the last four stage.

Gurnam XI went ahead in the fourth minute through Sardar Singh. They consolidated the lead three minutes later through Sher Singh. In the dying minutes of the encounter Satnam Singh found the target to complete the rout.

In another league match, the Namdhari Club prevailed over Sonu Ghuman XI 1-0. The all important goal was scored by Gurvinder Singh in the 14th minute. The B Baker Club beat Speed Fund Academy, Ludhiana, 3-0. The scorers were Lakhwinder Singh (ninth and 17th minute ) and Tejvir Singh (34th minute)

In the sub-junior category, Prithipal XI defeated Bhupinder XI, 4-1. Harsimran Singh (2), Gurdeep and Manmeet Mishra one each were the scorers for the winners, while Harmeet reduced the margin for Bhupinder XI.

In other matches, M P XI beat Prithipal XI, 1-0; Laddi XI outclassed Bhupinder XI, 1-0; and Harpal XI beat Jagmohan XI, 1-0.

In the girls section, Ludhiana Hockey Centre drew 2-2 with Jagmohan XI, while the Alankar Tony Club beat Ludhiana Hockey Centre, 3-0.

21 appear for black belt test

KARATEKAS IN ACTION: Nursing students of Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital participate in the black belt examination, conducted by the Defence and Attack Karate Association in Ludhiana on Sunday. — Photo Pradeep Tewari