HEALTH

Rare endoscopic surgery performed
Tribune News Service

SAS Nagar, October 23
In what is being claimed by the Fortis Heart Institute, here, as the first of its kind surgery in the region, doctors in the hospital have successfully performed an endoscopic radial artery harvesting procedure on a middle-aged male patient, who underwent a bypass surgery on October 21.

The procedure was carried out by Dr Achintya Moulick, senior consultant, cardio-thoracic surgery, along with experts from the Beth Israel Medical Centre, USA, using conduits from the arm and the leg without the traditional method of harvesting radial artery.

The procedure has been used earlier to harvest radial veins but has been used for an artery harvest for the first time in the hospital.

Explaining the procedure, Dr Moulick said that traditionally the harvesting of the radial artery and the saphenous vein was performed through a longitudinal incision which could result in wound complications in 20 to 40 per cent of patients.

‘‘In spite of saving many lives, this conventional form still had many risks, including of post-surgicle neurological impairment, incidence of infection and scarring,” he said.

3 more dengue cases reported
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 23
Three fresh cases of suspected dengue fever were reported in the city today.

Out of the 115 fever patients, who were examined at the OPD, three have been admitted to the Civil Hospital, Mani Majra. With this the total number of suspected dengue fever cases has touched 22 at Mani Majra and 34 at General Hospital, Sector 16.

Meanwhile, the health authorities are continuing with their preventive efforts to check the spread of dengue fever in the area. Health officials said that the second round of fogging was undertaken in the Indira Colony area, today.

Health awareness camp for boys
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 23
As part of reproductive and child health services, the city chapter of the Indian Council of Social Welfare today organised a special camp for adolescent boys in Dhanas village.

More than 50 boys from the area participated in the camp, where an interactive session was held with Dr Sangeeta Jund, coordinator, RCH Project, and Dr Neena Goyal. RCH social workers cautioned the young boys about the ill-effects of drug abuse and AIDS. The project in Dhanas village and the adjoining areas is being funded by SOSVA (North), Chandigarh, to create health awareness.

Iodine deficiency day observed
Tribune News Service

Panchkula, October 23
Global Iodine Deficiency disorder day was observed in General Hospital, Sector 6, here yesterday, with Dr. J.L. Chaudhary, Director General, as chief guest.

He said the aim of observing this day was to create awareness among masses regarding diseases borne due to deficiency of iodine and recommended use of iodine salt. He asked people to use salt after cooking the meals, as salt loses its nutrition after being cooked.

On this occasion, Dr. N.K. Kulshresath said iodine was an important ingredient and its daily use was necessary right from inception of child in womb. He said 150 microgram to 500 microgram of iodine was required daily. He said state government had already banned use of non iodized salt and it was mandatory to obtain its samples under the Family Welfare Act.

Chandigarh: With a view to spread awareness among the people regarding iodine deficiency disorders, the Lions Club Chandigarh Vishal (LCCV) celebrated Global Iodine deficiency disorders day here on Tuesday.

The president of the LCCV, Mr Daljit Singh Kohli, said in a press release here that about 250 people living in slum areas of Sector 42 gathered in courtyard of gurdwara and were informed about iodine deficiency disorders. He added that they were advised to use iodine salt and save themselves from goiter and other Iodine deficiency disorders.

SPORTS

Kapil on a different turf
Arvind Katyal

Chandigarh, October 23
It was a pleasant homecoming for Kapil Dev, who spent almost his entire afternoon playing golf at the new course of Forest Hill Resort at Karoran village (Ropar district) here today.

Col B.S. Sandhu, brain behind this project, gave membership of the club to Kapil and Desh Prem Azad.

Kapil said the golf course was good and he had enjoyed playing here. He was happy to be near the Shivalik Hills.

He stressed the need for tapping young talent in the country. Kapil is among 43 eminent sportspersons of the world who have been chosen to work as ambassadors of British Sports Management Company. Kapil said he would like to promote hockey to make India regain that lost glory.

Kapil said even football was popular among kids, so, efforts should be made to encourage talent in this sport.

He said, though he wanted cricket to remain ever popular, he would love to see masses getting involved in other sport as well.

Kapil said it was true that he loved golf, but he was, now, too old to play at the competition level. He said, with time, one is left with little control over one’s muscles, leaving one not strong enough to play against youngsters.

The recent controversy over Sunita Rani, he said, was not good for sport. He said the country needed to create more awareness regarding doping in sport. Regarding the role of federations, Kapil said the truth never came out, but it would be better if our sportspersons worked hard and played sincerely.

Kapil Dev said, it was good that India had done well in the Asian Games and won a gold medal even in golf.

Kapil said the city had good sports infrastructure, including five golf courses, which was rare for a small city.

ADMINISTRATION

Test run of Administration e-governance plan on
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 23
Taking another step towards e-governance, the Chandigarh Administration is presently testing its optic fibre cable link between the UT Secretariat in Sector 9 and the Estate office-cum-Deputy Commissioners office in Sector 17 and also with the Municipal Corporation in Sector 17.

This has been made possible due to networking of all major computer terminals. For example the Finance Secretary, whose office is in the Sector 9 building can now speak to the Deputy Commissioner in Sector 17 within seconds. Both the officers will be able to watch each other’s pictures live. This is possible due to small web cams put atop the computer monitors. The OFC link has been provided for free by the companies which have wired up the city for use in various applications.

Same will be true if the Adviser to the Administrator, the Home Secretary or the Finance Secretary want to speak to the Municipal Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner or the Additional deputy Commissioner.

Burning of paddy straw banned

Panchkula, October 23
The district administration has banned the burning of paddy straw in the district by invoking Section 144 of Cr. P. C. , in order to ensure availability of this as sources of fodder.

The order says that any persons having paddy straw in its possession shall keep it under dry and hygienic conditions and ensure that this is neither burned nor destroyed. The SDM of Panchkula and Kalka , all Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars and BDPO’s have been instructed to ensure that the order is implemented. TNS