‘Banta’ drink banned in UT
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 12
The cholera scare that gripped the city last month might be over but with the fear of water-borne diseases still looming large, the Health Department is not taking chances as it continues raids, especially in the case of milk products, lassi, ice cream and locally made aereated drinks.

“ During the raids, it was found that manufacturing and bottling of locally made aereated drink, ‘banta’, by some units was being done in the most unhygienic conditions, making it unfit for human consumption,” said Dr Rameshwar Chander, Director Health Services. He said that consumption of such drinks could lead to cholera, gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. During the raids, it was found that a large number of samples of ‘banta’ were adulterated and had a high level of bacteria. Keeping in view the fear of outbreak of water-borne diseases, the sale of ‘banta’ has been stopped till further order.

“In fact, the manufacturers of ‘banta’ have given it in writing, that they will not sell it in the Union Territory . But some vendors continue to bring it to Chandigarh from neighbouring states,” admitted Senior Food Inspector M.K. Sharma

Teams of the department are taking extra precautions, especially in the slum areas and rural colonies , where due to unhygienic conditions there are higher chances of outbreak of water- borne diseases.

Though there have only been few cases of jaundice, malaria and other diseases so far, but the Health Department is keeping its fingers crossed as with the onset of monsoons the situation worsens every year. In fact, cholera had struck certain rehabilitation colonies and slum areas , claiming two lives and hospitalising hundreds, even before monsoons had arrived. The authorities yesterday issued directions for strict implementation of the amendment made under the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, where it is mandatory for manufacturers to display the symbol or logo in green colour on the label of packed vegetarian food as on all advertisements.

‘Punjabis most prone to heart diseases’
Tribune News Service

SAS Nagar, August 12
Indians in general and Punjabis in particular are more prone to heart disease than most other humans in other parts of the world.

This was stated here today by Dr Vijay Mohan Kohli, a leading cardio thoracic surgeon of the region. Formerly of the DMCH, Ludhiana, Dr Kohli, who has now joined the Fortis Heart institute, told mediapersons here that there were certain genetic factors for the high incidence of heart disease among the Indians. Coupled with this was the rich diet that the Punjabis habitually consumed. The artery size in most Indians was also small, leading to their quick clogging. In order to prevent the spread of heart disease, it was most important to launch an intensive education programme to inculcate healthy food habits and life style among the people.

Dr Vinay Mohan Kohli's track record comprises senior positions held in leading cardiac hospitals across India & abroad. Dr Kohli brings with him over 18 years of work experience and has conducted more than 5000 open-heart surgeries. He is a visiting consultant at Throax Centre, University Hospital, Upsala, Sweden; Europe's oldest institution which is in the forefront of cardiology & cardiac thoracic surgery. Dr Kohli has been instrumental in setting up of the Department of Cardio Thoracic Surgery at Escorts Heart Institute Delhi, Department of Cardio Thoracic Surgery at Batra Hospital, Delhi, and Hero DMC Hospital at Ludhiana. He was awarded certificate of Merit from Apollo Hospital, Chennai for his contribution towards successful completion of the first 1000 open-heart operations.

Mr Shivinder Mohan Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Fortis said," Today we at Fortis are proud to have a mix of the best available national and onternational talent, keeping with our endeavour of providing the very best in quality healthcare in India".

Dr RV Karanjekar, Medical Director, Fortis Heart Institute, said," Dr Kohli is a precious addition to Fortis Heart. Dr Kohli is undoubtedly amongst the best cardiac surgeons and brings with him invaluable national & international experience. His contributions to the field of cardiac surgery has been acknowledged and appreciated by his peers in the medical fraternity".

Patient runs away from PGI
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 12
A 44-year-old patient from Ludhiana was reported missing from the male surgical ward of the PGI here yesterday. According to information available, the patient, Santosh Singh, had been admitted to the PGI for an operation of a tumour in his liver.

The operation had been delayed as his body temperature was not under control. At about 7.30 am, the patient went to the lavatory but did not return. Frantic efforts by the attendants of the patient proved futile. The family members of the patient had lodged a complaint with the Medical Superintendent of the hospital. A DDR has been lodged with the PGI police post and wireless messages with the description of the patient have been flashed to the police stations in the city and the neighbouring states.

Training on operation theatre techniques
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, August 12
A three-month-long training programme to provide update on operation theatre techniques for the nurses of the GMCH in Sector 32 was inaugurated by the Director-Principal, Prof S.B.S. Mann, here today.

The courses will be part of the CMEs and is expected to fetch participation of nurses from the surrounding states also.

The course designated by Prof A S Bawa consists of 40 lectures to be delivered by various medical and surgical specialists on subjects pertaining to the operation theatre procedures. It also includes discussion on legal issues.

The Medical Superintendent, GMCH, Prof Raj Bahadur, highlighted various issues for improving the quality of nursing care.

The programme is being organised by the Department of General Surgery along with the Allied Surgical Disciplines and Nursing Department, GMCH.

SPORTS

Commonwealth gold medallist honoured
Our Sports Reporter

Chandigarh, August 12
Grappler Krishan Kumar of Dara wrestling coaching centre, Phase VI, SAS Nagar, who has won the gold medal in upto 55 kg category in the Commonwealth Games, was honoured today for his achievement in the presence of senior officers of the Sports Authority of India, host of wrestlers and supporters on the premises of Dara Studio. Short statured Krishan (19) took to wrestling under the watchful eyes of R.S. Kundu, an SAI wrestling coach, about 10 years ago.

Only few months back, he won the gold medal for the country in the Junior Asian Wrestling Championship. But the present victory proved to be more crucial for him, who in the final outplayed a Canada wrestler 4-2.

Today Krishan said he was really thrilled to bring glory for India. Krishan now aims to bring another moment of glory for India in the forthcoming Asian Games at Busan (South Korea) in September.

He was later presented with a cheque for Rs 31000 on behalf of the coaching centre by Mr K.R. Singh, Regional Director, SAI. Mr Ashok Pathik, Assistant Director, SAI, was also present on the occasion.

Cricket tourney

A brilliant performance by Satish Chaudhary and Kulwinder Romi who both claimed three wickets each by giving eight and 12 runs, respectively, finally helped Godrej Cricket Club in overpowering Garhwal XI by seven wickets to reach the final of the IInd Monsoon Cup League Cricket Tournament here today at the PGI Cricket grounds.

Brief scores: Garhwal XI : 107 runs all out in 24.5 overs (Umesh 28, Kapil 22, Kulwinder Romi 3 for 12, Satish Chaudhary 3 for eight, Ankush 2 for 17, Manav Asopa 2 for 21,); Godrej CC: 108 for three in 18.4 overs (Rajesh Arora 36, Vishal Sahni 36 n.o., Vikas Khurana 19 n.o., Umesh Kaira 17).

In another tie, the PGI Cricket Club outplayed Sonnet Cricket Club by 18 runs to enter the last four. PGI made 113 runs while Sonnet Cricket Club were bundled out for just 95 runs.

Carrom meets

The XII th Chandigarh State Carrom Tournament will be held from August 31 to September 4. This five-day meet will be held under the aegis of the Chandigarh Carrom Association. The events to be conducted during this meet will be, men and women singles and doubles, men singles-veterans (above 45 years), boys and girls singles and doubles for juniors (below 18 years) and boys and girls singles, doubles in sub junior section (below 14 years). Entries close with Mr Diwan Singh Aithani, joint secretary of the association, at 564-A, Sector 32- A, Chandigarh (Ph-681473).

The Panchkula District Carrom Association will hold the second Panchkula District Carrom Championship on August 24 and 25 at Saupin’s School, Sector 9, Panchkula, in singles for men and women, senior, junior (below-18) and sub-junior (below-14) sections. Entries close on August 20 with Mr Satish Sharma, 739, Sector 16, Panchkula.

According to Mr R.S. Yadav, general secretary of the association, six top ranked players under each category will be selected to represent Panchkula District in the forthcoming inter-district and Haryana State Carrom Championship.

Cricket meet from Aug 22

The UT Cricket Association will organise a cricket tournament for below-12 years for St Kabir Trophy from August 22 in the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium. Entries close on August 17 with Mr Harish Sharma, cricket coach, or Naib Singh, Manager, Sector 16 Cricket Stadium.

Judo championship

Priyanka Thakur in under 44 kg category while Shivali in below 40 kg category clinched gold medals on the first day of the Chandigarh State sub-junior Judo Championship, which began here today at Ajit Karam Singh International Public School, Sector 41. The other gold medal winners were, Yashoda in below 36 kg, Pooja Yadav in below 27 kg, Reena in below 23 kg, Vandana in below 32 kg weight category.

In sub-junior boys section, Ashish won gold medal in below 25 kg while Amit Rana in below 30 kg section. The closing ceremony will take place tomorrow at 4 p.m.

School games schedule

AMBALA: A meeting for deciding the schedule for school games was held yesterday under the presidentship of the District Education Officer, Ambala. Principals of different schools and sports teachers were present at the meeting. In zonal boys, the zonal and district school games will take place in Ambala city, Ambala Cantonment, Barara, Naraingarh, a release said.