The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Polyclinic for ex-servicemen
Tribune News Service

Ex-servicemen and Col S.S.Nanda ,Officiating Station Commander

Ex-servicemen (left) and Col S.S.Nanda ,Officiating Station Commander, Ludhiana, Military Garrision , addresses the gathering on the opening of an Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme(ECHS) in Ludhiana on Sunday.— Photo Inderjit Verma

Ludhiana, August 10
As many as 227 polyclinics would be set up in the country to provide medicare to ex-servicemen and their families in their districts under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme(ECHS).

This was stated today by Col S.S. Nanda, officiating Station Commander, Ludhiana Military Garrison, after inaugurating one such polyclinic in the city today.

Colonel Nanda said under the five year plan, 104 polyclinics would be set up in the military areas and 123 in the non-military areas. A sum of Rs 400 crore had been earmarked for setting up polyclinics every year.

He further said such polyclinics would be set up in all districts of Punjab except Nawan Shahar and facilities like gynaecological and dental , X-Ray, ultrasound, modern laboratory, ECG , would be provided in the local polyclinic.

He said the scheme would also be available in various nursing homes, hospitals and diagnostic centres that were closer to the residence of ex-servicemen. A one time contribution ranging from Rs 1,800 to Rs 18,000 depending upon the pension being drawn would ensure total medical cover to the entitled categories of ex-servicemen without any condition of age, disease or type of the treatment.

Colonel Nanda said the scheme had been made compulsory for the ex-servicemen availing pension after April 1, 2002. He added that the ex-servicemen, who had retired before this date would have to apply for the membership by giving an affidavit signed by a notary public and depositing a fixed amount. The Identity cards would be dispatched after October 1.

Col F.S. Behl, Regional Director ,Health, Chandi Mandir, addressing the gathering said the amount could be paid in three installments and anyone who applies would have to attach a copy of discharge book and ID card along with the affidavit.

Col Davinder Singh Soni,while speaking on the occasion said those getting monthly pension of Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 , Rs 5,001 to 7,501and above would have to pay Rs 1,800, Rs 4,800, Rs 8,400, Rs 12,000 and Rs 18,000 ,respectively, for availing the facilities under the scheme.

Col R.S. Saini, Registrar Military Hospital, Jalandhar, Wg Cdr M.S. Randhawa and Col Harbant Singh Kahlon were also present on the occasion.

Nankana Sahib and BCM schools to clash in final
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, August 10
Nankana Sahib School, Gill Road, scored a comprehensive 93-run victory over R.S. Model Senior Secondary School to set up the title clash with BCM School, Shastri Nagar, who defeated Sacred Heart Convent Senior Secondary School, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, by 27 runs in the Inter-School (Gill zone) Cricket Tournament (under-19) being organised at Sacred Heart Convent School, Sarabha Nagar, here today.

In the first semi final, Nankana Sahib School won the toss and decided to bat. Thanks to some consistent batting by Maninder and Rohit, who contributed 43 off 37 balls and 37 runs in 26 balls, respectively, they scored 154 runs for the loss of six wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.

For R.S. Model School, Mohit took two wickets for 30 runs while Mrityuanjal took one wicket for 16 runs.

Requiring 155 runs for victory, R.S. Model School failed to put up any resistance against accurate bowling by Nankana Sahib bowlers Rohit and Amandeep who ripped apart former’s batting line up as their innings folded 61 runs in 16 overs.

Only Mrityuanjal (14) could reach the double-figure mark. Rohit bowled four overs and took four wickets conceding 14 runs while Amandeep sclaped two victims for just three runs in one over.

The second semi-final between BCM Arya Model School and Sacred Heart Convent School, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, turned out to be a low scoring affair.

Batting first, BCM School scored 82 runs in 20 overs. Aman top scored with 38 and Daman made 13 off eight deliveries. For Sacred Heart School, Rohit Batta and Kunal Malik took three wickets each.

Chasing a modest target of 83 runs, Sacred Heart School could muster only 55 runs in 12.5 overs. Arjun and Nitin contributed 13 and 11 runs, respectively.

For BCM Arya School, Gaurav Dhingra and Gaurav Narula took three wickets each conceding three and one run, respectively.

Bhamia Kalan sports festival
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, August 10
The annual sports festival at Bhamia Kalan village, near here, will be held from September 10 to 14. According to Mr Joga Singh Grewal, president of Baba Kehar Dass Cultural and Sports Club, a decision to hold this annual festival was taken at a meeting of the club held at Dard Stadium, Bhamia Kalan, today.

During this five-day sports extravaganza, the main attraction will be football, kabaddi, volleyball, shooting, tug of war, dog race and bullock cart race.

The winners will be given cash prizes.