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HEALTH

Tanzanian cured at PGI
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 17
A 74-year-old Tanzanian resident, Mr Kami Richard Lwekamwa, a retired government civil engineer, was in a jubilant mood today. After being operated upon four times without getting any relief for lumbar spondyloasis. He finally got rid of his perpetual pain in his back and leg operated upon him last month.

While the doctors call it a “simple and routine surgery” which is commonly performed here, for the Tanzanian engineer, it is a gift which has made him “much more stronger and agile”.

While the last part of his stay in the city turned out to be good for the engineer, the start wasn’t. For, when he landed in the city and was staying in Hotel Sunbeam, some robbers took away his cash, mobile phone and some important documents. “The robbery was not surprising for me, as I have been robbed earlier, outside India, as well. In fact, I am all praise for the city police which cracked the case within four days and returned some of my stuff. All this while, I was more keen to get cured,” he said.

It was in 1993 that Mr Kami’s problems began and he often complained of numbness in his arms and legs. Even walking 100 metres was a tough task. He underwent two surgeries in Switzerland, one in 1993 and the other in 1998, but the problem persisted. On the recommendation of a golf partner, he came to India for treatment.

“In March, 2003, I went to the Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad, where I underwent two surgeries. However, my backache persisted.

Then, I came to the PGI where I got cured,” said the Tanzanian national.

Another reason for him to be happy is the cost factor, for he had to spend just Rs 33,000 in all for his treatment and stay. He said it was a small amount as compared to the cost of treatment in other countries.

“I can now run a kilometre without a break. I feel so healthy,” says Mr Kami, who returned to his native land today.

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Talk on mental health
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 17
Father Frank Nunn, director of Atma Shakti Vidyalya, Bangalore, and therapist and mental health practitioner, delivered a talk on “Mental health” here today and said the Bangalore institute would set up a similar institute around Chandigarh soon.

He said the problem of mental health was increasing there were not many institutes which could adequately cope with the problem. He added that the pressure of the increasing hectic day-to-day life was contributing to the mental problems and deteriorating mental health.

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Indo-Pak snooker meet opens
Our Sports Reporter

Chandigarh, June 17
The prestigious Rexello Castors Indo-Pak Peace Cup Snooker Tournament, being organised by the Triple A Syndicate in association with the Chandigarh Club, was today formally inaugurated with a single frame match played between Indian and Pakistani players and a Pot Black Ball Tournament, where local players also took part.

Earlier Mr Jagmohan Singh Kang, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Punjab, appreciated efforts by both the teams to promote peace between India and Pakistan through this tournament. Mr Shahnawaz Khan, Manager of the Pakistan team, expressed his pleasure at the warm welcome the Pakistani contingent received in India. The coach of the Indian team, Mr Michael Ferreira hoped that this would be a very exciting tournament as both teams had finest of players. Pakistan players had arrived late last evening.

The Pot Black Ball Tournament was won by local lad Sumit Talwar of Chandigarh. Khurram Agha of Pakistan won the singles frame tie beating Rafat Habib of India.

Tomorrow, the competitive leg of the tournament would begin in which three tests will be played, one on each day. Each test would comprise of five singles and two double matches. The team that wins two tests would win the Peace Cup. There would be a daily draw of lots to determine the players for the singles and doubles matches and all matches would be a best-of-three frames affair. The matches would be governed by International Billiards and Snooker Federations rules and regulations.

Tips to kids

Former Haryana Ranji player Vineet Jain on Thursday attended a cricket workshop being held at KB DAV Centenary School, Sector 7, here.

Children in the age group of nine to 15 are participating in the workshop. Jain, who has been a medium pacer, asked the children to work hard and have patience. He also gave some tips to the participants.

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Go slow on challaning women, cops told
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 17
Keeping in mind the protest by various bodies against challaning of women driving two-wheelers without helmets, the Chandigarh Administration is learnt to have asked the Chandigarh Police to “slow down” the challaning drive against women.

Sources have confirmed that informally and verbally the orders have been issued, however, due to various reasons there can be no official communication on the issue. None of the officers in the Administration or the police are ready to come on record. The police officials have also conveyed the same to their challaning staff. Sources have confirmed that the drive has been slowed down.

Meanwhile, the Administration has asked various Sikh bodies to start an awareness drive on the importance of the helmet.
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MC to deploy cops for enforcement operations
Tribune News Service

Mohali, June 17
The local Municipal Council will deploy policemen to facilitate its enforcement operations. At least five policemen will be shifted to the council on deputation from the Punjab police. These policemen will accompany the council staff during its enforcement operations.

The council has decided to follow the Chandigarh example in this case. The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has a large number of policemen on deputation from the Chandigarh police to assist the corporation staff during anti-encroachment drives.

The council authorities claim that the council staff faced difficulties during anti-encroachment drives. At times, municipal employees had also been beaten up by the defaulters. they added. The policemen deployed with the council, which will include at least four constables and an ASI, will now accompany the staff on such drives in order to avoid violence.

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22 employees found absent
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 17
A raid was carried out to check absenteeism in various government offices here this morning. As many as 22 employees of various departments were found absent from duty without any leave or intimation to their seniors.

The employees have been served with show cause notices to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for being irresponsible. The raid started at 9.10 a.m and continued for 30 minutes.

It checked the employees of the Estate Office, the Deputy Commissioner’s office and the Excise and Taxation Department. Attendance records of nearly 500 employees were checked.

The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Arun Kumar, confirmed that a raid was conducted and show cause notices issued. The maximum number of absentees were from the Excise and Taxation Department.

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