 |
|
| Thursday, September 19, 2002,
Chandigarh, India
|
|
||||
|
|
Common man to bear the brunt Chandigarh, September 18 Though the PGI authorities in item no 12 of the agenda for the SFC meeting have claimed that the proposed charges would still remain patient-friendly, a majority of people coming here from the entire northern region will not take kindly to the proposed hike. It is the five-member hospital charges committee, headed by the PGI Director, Dr S.K. Sharma, which had on June 15 this year recommended the increase in charges for tests in the departments of radiodiagnosis, gastroenterology, neurology. Apart from this fresh proposals have been received from the departments of Physiotherapy and Dietetics for increasing the charges for the exercises and food that is served in the wards for both patients as well as their attendants. It was on October 10, 1995, that the existing hospital charges had come into effect. The proposed increase in the charges is being made in line with the directions of the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, for revenue generation but many feal that in some of the tests, the hike is very steep. The digital X- ray, which costs Rs 100 now, will be done at Rs 450 for the private ward patients at the proposed charges. Similarly, the colour doppler test , which costs Rs 250 for private ward and Rs 100 for general ward, will cost thrice the amount at Rs 800 and Rs 300,
respectively. The retrograde urethrography(RGU) for private ward, which costs Rs 100 will now be available at Rs 450, if the revised hospital charges come into effect. The Splenoportov enography (SPV), which costs Rs 500 for the private ward and Rs 150 for the general ward, will witness a steep increase in the charges at Rs 1100 and Rs 500,
respectively. The number of people coming to the PGI from the higher income group being small, it is the patients from the lower income group who will have to bear the burden of more than three times the present charges. The same is the proposed hike in case of Venography peripheral, which for private wards will cost Rs 1100 and Rs 500 for general ward, from the present charges of Rs 450 and Rs 135, respectively. In the Department of Gastroenterology, apart from substantial increase in most of the investigations, it is the USG-guided FNAC, which will cost Rs 1000 from Rs 500 for private to Rs 300 from Rs 150 for the general
ward. The proposed charges for the Doppler ultrasound examination for carotid or any other vessel will be Rs 800 from Rs 500 for private ward and Rs 300 from the present Rs 150 for the general ward. The comments of the Financial Advisor, attached with the agenda item for the proposed revision at the SFC meeting, are that the reason to raise the charges is to substantially recover the input cost and increase revenue generation. The PGI authorities reason that the existing hospital charges are disproportionately on the lower side compared to the rates for similar procedures and tests by private people in the market. There are a handful of tests which will cost less than the existing charges after the proposed revision comes into effect.
|
|
Young boy battles for life Chandigarh, September 18 Seeing the critical condition of the boy, doctors at the Department of Cardiology have recommended an immediate pacemaker implantation, but this can be possible only if financial help comes from some quarters. “I cannot even dream of managing such a big amount as the Rs 1,200 I earn per month by doing daily wage work , is barely enough for a hand-to-mouth living for my family,” he says . Vishal, has been admitted to the CTU ward of the PGI as his mother and younger sister, keep hoping against hope that God will be kind enough to save the life of their dear one. They rue that all that is within their limit is to pray to the Almighty as not even a single relative has been willing to help during the crisis. The Head of the Cardiology Department, Dr Anil Grover, said though a recycled pacemaker costs much less, but seeing the young age of the boy, only a permanent one would serve the purpose. In order to treat his heart rhythm disturbances and restore regular electrical impulses, he requires a pacemaker which has a long warranty, after which he can lead a normal life. The doctors say that with Vishal’s heart being blocked badly, he requires a pacemaker, which will cost over Rs 90,000. At present, his heart rate is very slow to meet the demand of the body and as such his life depends on financial help or some pacemaker company which can step in with immediate help.
|
|
Drive to check spread
of malaria on Chandigarh, September 18 Go to any of the northern sectors, or even the southern ones in the city, and chances are that you will find health department workers pouring kerosene over pools of stagnant water. “A large number of employees have been entrusted with the task of ensuring that stagnant water does not remain untreated for long,” says an officer. Giving details, the officer says, “Normally the exercise of treating the water with oil starts soon after the first major downpour in the city. The staff members carrying sticks and containers of oil walk from one street to another, throughout the length and the breath of the city to make sure that standing pools of water do not become breeding ground for mosquitoes. The exercise is completed after monsoons are over.” This year, however, the staff is working till late September as it did not rain till mid August. Even
othersie, everyone was more worried about drought than malaria and other related problems. However, after August 15 it started raining heavily resulting in filling up pot holes and ditches in the middle, and along the roadside. As the rains have continued till late this year, our staff has also been forced to work till late”. The drive, he adds, will now continue till the rainy season is over. The intention behind launching the drive, the officer says, is easy to analyse. “Actually, kerosene forms a thin layer over stagnant water,” “This prevents the larva from breeding and in the process helps in checking the spread of mosquito related diseases, malaria in particular”. |
Row plays spoilsport as CFA wins Chandigarh, September 18 The all-important goal midway through the second half came off a flag kick by CFA’s Pradeep. As the ball swerved towards the goalmouth, Nikhil Vyas of St.Stephen’s positioned on the goal-line failed to trap it. To Nikhil’s utter dismay, the ball rolled into the net after striking his legs as goalkeeper Prabhjot Singh, who otherwise had an excellent game, looked on helplessly. The suicidal goal
notwithstanding, both the teams dished out a keen affair. Although the tournament was restricted to the under-14 category, the moves and tackles could put even senior outfits to shade. The overhead lobs, tailor-made passes, accurate crosses and power-packed volleys reflected the hard work put in by the coaches. The tournament conducted by the Chandigarh Sports Department provided ample opportunity to budding footballers of the region to display their talent. However, allegations with respect to fielding overage players robbed the tournament of charm and the unsavoury happenings prior to the final are indeed a sad reflection of sportsmanship and organisation. The final was delayed by one hour as the St.Stephen’s coach, Bhupinder Singh, protested against fielding certain players who, according to him were overage. As the spectators waited for the imbroglio to end, the Deputy Commissioner, Mr M. Ramsekhar, intervened and it was after a firm assurance from him that the match commenced. However, the controversy took its toll as the Punjab Governor, Lt-Gen(Retd) JFR Jacob, himself a keen soccer lover, stayed away from the match. The Chandigarh Football Academy dominated the show for long spells and could have won by a bigger margin had the forwards not muffed some easy chances. According to coach Harjinder Singh, the uncertainty over fielding certain players upset the rhythm of the team due to which they could not perform to their optimum level. However, this is not to deny St.Stephen’s the credit of putting up a marvellous fightback. While stopper back Sukhdeep Singh,incidentally adjudged the best defender, marshalled the defence and midfield, goalie Prabhjot Singh brought off some spectacular saves under the bar. For CFA, skipper Gagan was outstanding as were Aakib, Randeep and custodian Ajay. Gagan initiated the first move for CFA but Rakesh’s shot was punched away by the rival goalie. St Stephen’s missed a good chance on resumption as Sandeep Singh missed the target from close range. Thereafter, St. Stephen’s had a narrow escape as a lob by Rakesh from the right corner struck the pole before Akshit Malik effected a goal-line save. In the 12th minute of the second half, CFA snatched the match winner in dramatic fashion. A flag kick by Pradeep landed at the feet of Nikhil of St.Stephen’s and before the latter could do anything, the ball sailed in leaving his team-mates dumbfounded. The shock almost became unbearable for Nikhil, who was seen weeping at the end holding himself responsible for the debacle. Olympian TS Bawa presented the trophy to the winners. Gagan of CFA was adjudged the best player of the tournament while Sukhdeep of St Stephen’s was declared the best defender. Jaspreet of YFC Rurka Kalan was adjudged the best goalkeeper while the highest scorer’s award went to Baljit. Mehar Football Academy, Kurali, received the ‘fairplay trophy’ which was presented to Mr AK Kaushal and coach Chawla. The final of the Chandigarh Junior Challenge Football Tournament organised by the Chandigarh Sports Department was preceded by high drama as the proceedings were delayed by one hour due to a stand-off between the rival teams. The St.Stephen’s team management lodged a protest over the fielding of certain players who they felt were overage. They included CFA’s Randeep, Talwinder and Rakesh as also the goalkeeper Ajay. However, the Deputy Commissioner, Mr M. Ramsekhar, who is also the Director Sports, appealed to them take the field and assured them that in case the allegations were proved, the result, if in favour of CFA, would be reversed. However, this failed to convince the St Stephen’s team as they remained adamant on their demand regarding suspension of players. According to Mr Ramsekhar, the players in question had already been put through a medical test after similar allegations had been levelled yesterday. The Director, Health Services, had certified that the boys in question were of proper age and as such the allegations had proved to be baseless. “Are you competent to over-rule the judgement of the highest medical authority,” asked the exasperated Deputy Commissioner while talking to the rival coach. As the issue remained deadlocked, Mr Ramsekhar came on the public address system and said: “The spectacle today is one of the worst that I have seen in Chandigarh.” Finally,it was after a lot of persuasion that the St Stephen’s team agreed to play. Earlier, the Principal of St Stephen’s, Mr Harold Carver, in a memorandum to the Administrator, said: “One needs only to glance at the adults being fielded by the Chandigarh Football Academy in connivance with Chandigarh Sports Department officials. If the sole aim of the tournament is to prove that the Chandigarh Football Academy are the winners then do let things continue the way they are,” Mr Carver added. |
|
Amanpreet to lead Panchkula cricket team Chandigarh, September 18 Other members of the team are, Amit (vice-captain), Rahul Kamboj, Rohit Singh, Nitish Bhardwaj, Anupam Gambhir, Suraj, Manan Vohra, Karan, Gurpreet, Akaitab Bhattacharya, Vaneet Goel, Ashutosh Walia, Bhuvnesh, Karan Malik and Girish Sharma. stand bye- Ankush Mittal, Jasreet and Nitin. Honoured:
Softball meet:
Volleyball tourney:
Trials:
Mr A.S. Khokhar, secretary, Regional Baord for Culture and Sports (Chandigarh
region) stated in a press note that the selection trials for the selection of UT Civil Services Volleyball Team will be held at Sports Complex, Sector 7 on September 25. The selected players will take part in the All-India Civil Services Volleyball Tournament to be held in New Delhi from October 9 to 13. Selection:
Body-building:
Meanwhile, the association will also have the selection trials for senior, junior and handicapped Mr North India-2002 to be held at Kota ( Rajasthan) on October 12 and 13. Football
meet:
In the quarter-final matches played today, AG, Audit, Haryana got the better of the All African Club 3-0, while AG, Audit, Punjab prevailed upon Golden Club by three goals to one. In other matches of the quarter final section, Chandigarh Football Club downed BSNL Football Club 6-0 while Chandigarh Police blanked Maruti Football Club 2-0. Tomorrow, the first semi-final between AG, Punjab and AG, Haryana will begin at 11.45 am followed by second semi-final between Chandigarh Football Club and Chandigarh Police at 1.45 pm.
|
|
Adventure
team flagged off Chandigarh, September 18 Hiking and trekking activities will be conducted from Joshimath-Gobindghat to Badrinath. Members of the team are: Sanjay Kumar, Ajay Kumar, Nitin Dixit, Satnam Singh, Bal Krishan, Lakhwinder Singh, Satinder Singh, Ranbir Singh, Sher Singh, Kanwarpal and Sandeep Kumar. The Regional Co-ordinator, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Mr Jaswinder Singh Kooner, flagged off the team. |
|
NSA extended Chandigarh, September 18 |
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | In Spotlight | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 122 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
