The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Laila Memorial Fund for poor children
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, April 26
In her remembrance, the paediatrics surgery unit of Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) has set up a fund to support surgical treatment of poor children. The fund will be called Laila Memorial Fund/ Surgically Sick Children’s Fund.

Laila, the survivor of one of the rarest congenital malformation conjoined twins, died on March 8 this year due to multiple problems.

The twins were born on December 8, 2000, and were abandoned by the parents on December 12, left all on the mercy of paediatrics surgery team of the CMCH. Thereafter, the hospital did its best to sustain them. They were successfully separated on March 14, 2001, after nine hours of surgery. Though elder of the twins, Tahira, succumbed to a severe cardiac problem, Laila survived. Since the day she had arrived in the CMCH, she had been an apple of everyone’s eye. She was called Little Angel by all caring for her. With the help of the Samaritans, the hospital could extend much needed medical care to her. As her condition stabilised, Laila was transferred to the Missionaries of Charity, Jalandhar. Unfortunately, she died on March 8.

Dr V.P. Singh, Head, Paediatrics Surgery Department, said: “There are many incidences where life-saving surgeries are required for the sick child and the family cannot afford the expenses. The CMCH has always supported to the maximum extent and even called for the general public for their financial support many times. People have always extended their fullest support. We, at the CMCH only have a simple dream that all children shall get the best health care. But, we, too, have financial constraints. Hence, we have started this fund in memory of Laila, her fight for survival in spite of many disabilities had been a constant source of inspiration to us. And we know that the people in the city would fully support us in this cause”.

The fund was formally founded on March 22 by Dr Silas Charles with the grandparents of a young girl child, who died due to cancer, by donating Rs 50,000 in her memory. All those who wish to contribute can contact Dr V.P. Singh, CMCH, for details. All cheques should be made in favour of Christian Medical College and Hospital with ‘Laila Memorial Fund’ mentioned on the back of the cheque. Tax rebate facilities are also available.

SPORTS

Cricket clinic from May 17
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, April 26
After the success of the cricket clinic organised last year here at the Punjab Agricultural University ground by the Ludhiana Parents Cricket Association (LPCA) where the legendary former Indian captain, Bishen Singh Bedi gave tips to aspiring cricketers, the association has planned to conduct the second clinic from May 17. Bishen Singh Bedi will be present at the clinic this year also.

Giving this information, Mr R.D. Singh, senior cricket coach, PAU, and Ms Sudeep Kaur, member of the LPCA the expressed the hope that this camp would go a long way in improving the quality of the the budding cricketers of the region. The association had prepared an extensive programme for the campers who would be attending this clinic.

Mr R.D. Singh informed that for this clinic, preparations had already begun. During the course of the clinic, the main stress would be on physical fitness, drill works, bowling techniques and fielding methods.