Doctors to get NPA
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 29
The PCMS doctors will continue to get their pay with NPA till a high power committee prepares the modalities for doctors who opt for private practice. As per the recommendation of the committee, the letter of Department of Finance (No. 275/98-4FPI/6224-25 dated July 22, 2003) on the abolition of NPA has been ordered to be held in abeyance, by the Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh.’

Stating this, the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) has welcomed the decision of the Punjab Government, for restoring NPA to doctors, majority of whom were not willing for private practice. Dr Hardeep Singh, state president, PCMSA has also expressed gratitude to the Punjab Chief Minister for constituting the high power committee to review the previous decision on NPA.

He also placed on record the efforts made by the chairman of the committee and Health Minister, R.C. Dogra and other members of the committee for providing justice to the doctors.

The ‘PCMSA has urged the government to broaden the scope of the committee so that modalities of private practice and better infrastructure for health service was created. Among other suggestions made by the association were decentralisation of administrative supervision network with centralised planning at the sub-block level, conversion of distant supervision into direct supervision and full utilisation of clinical skill of PCMS doctors, posted at primary health centres.

Blood donation camp
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 29
The NSS unit and the Youth Club of the Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women, Gurjarkan Campus, Ludhiana, organised a blood donation camp under the supervision of the local unit of the Red Cross Society. Dr Jasbir Singh was the in charge of the team of the Red Cross society comprising six members.

The Principal, Dr Anoop Kaur Bansal, inaugurated the camp and congratulated the students participating in this noble cause. About 55 students and some staff members donated blood. NSS volunteers also came forward with full enthusiasm to assist the Red Cross team. All donors were given refreshments. 

Hockey match ends in draw
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, August 29
An exhibition hockey match played here today at the astroturf ground of Punjab Agricultural University between the Speed Fund Academy, Ludhiana, and the Olympian Surjit Academy, Jalandhar, ended in a draw. The score was 2-2. The match was organised by the Punjab Sports Department to commemorate the birth anniversary of the hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.

The match began on a fast pace with players of both teams trying to outpace each other. Both teams made repeated attacks but failed to take advantage of the chances which came their way. After wasting two penalty corners, the Jalandhar academy converted a penalty corner to go ahead in the 13th minute through fullback Yadwinder Singh.

The Ludhiana academy lads, too, forced, three penalty corners in quick succession and finally managed to restore parity in the 23rd minute. Rupinder Singh converted a penalty corner to make the score 1-1.

After changing ends, the Surjit Acadmey again went into lead in the 49th minute of the match through a penalty stroke when Inderpal found the target to read 2-1. Their joy was shortlived as Ludhiana team levelled the score four minutes later when Bodh Raj scored a superb field goal.

Mr Rahul Bhandari, ADC, Ludhiana was the chief guest at the prize distribution function.

Basketball trials
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, August 29
A good number of boys and girls turned up for the trials conducted by the Ludhiana District Basketball Association (LDBA) at the Guru Nanak Stadium here today. These trials were held to select the team to represent Ludhiana in the Fourth Punjab State Youth Basketball Championship scheduled to be held at Jalalabad (Ferozepore) from September 2 to 6.

According to Mr Teja Singh Dhaliwal, honorary secretary, LDBA, more than hundred cagers, including 70 boys, were present for the trials and a panel of selectors headed by Dr S. Subramanian, former Director, NIS, Patiala, watched these aspirants. The final list of players would be released on August 31, Mr Dhaliwal said.