Ludhiana, January 19
More than 500 schoolchildren were examined at a free dental check up camp organised by Baba Jaswant Singh Dental College and Hospital at Springdale Public School here today.

A team of doctors, headed by Dr V.K. Kapila, Reader, Department of Community Dentistry, provided a comprehensive dental check-up to the students with the help of a mobile dental van.

Each of the student examined at the camp was given a documented summary of dental health and the recommended treatment plan, if any. The students were asked to get these cards countersigned by their parents so as to ensure practical implementation of the doctor’s advice and the follow-up treatment.

In an interaction with the students, dental experts discussed at length the dietary habits, importance of oral hygiene and precaution and care of various kinds of dental problems. A colourful exhibition of posters and charts on dental health was also put up.

Dr V.K. Kapila, in his lecture on dental awareness, stressed the need for periodic dental check-up. He said the “crooked tooth” (malocclusion) was the most common dental problem in the age group of 10-15 when milk teeth were falling and permanent teeth were taking their place. The condition led to irregularities in the growth and shape which could be corrected by a dental specialist, if detected well in time. Left untreated, it could lead to permanent deformities. He also spoke about gum problems and cavities which afflicted a large number of children.

The Principal, Ms Avinash Kaur Walia, speaking on the occasion, asked the parents to take more care of dental health of their children. More than the children themselves, their parents ought to take necessary precautions so as to avoid aggravating cases of dental problems among growing children.

Meanwhile, a free medical camp organised by the International Sikh Dharam Parchar Manch at Grewal Market on the Barewal road evoked good response where a team of doctors from Gurdev Hospital examined nearly 250 patients, who were also given free medicines.

The camp was inaugurated by Mr Avtar Singh Makkar, member, SGPC, and Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia, vice-president, SAD.

According to Mr Gurdeep Singh Leel, president of the manch, doctors, comprising Dr Waheguru Pal Singh, Dr Harkamal Sidhu, Dr Neeraj Arora, Dr Kiranpreet and Dr Sweety, were honoured.

Ludhiana, January 19
Under the ongoing vaccination campaign in the district, a special camp was organised by the New Sabzi Mandi government dispensary at Anandpuri Gurdwara on here today. More than 200 children up to the age of 5 were immunised against six infectious diseases.

Dr Kuldip Kaur Sahni, district immunisation officer, who inaugurated the camp, said the drive, launched on January 15 would continue till February 14. The health department planned to hold more than 100 immunisation camps during the campaign, she added.

The government dispensary in New Shivpuri also organised an outreach immunisation camp at Anganwadi Centre in the locality. Dr Amita Jain, medical officer, along with her team, administered doses of different vaccines to children and pregnant women to protect them from infectious diseases like tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, measles and tetanus.

According to Dr Jain, the camp was held to create awareness about routine immunisation among the people of low socio-economic group. The dispensary would hold three such camps in areas like Kila Mohalla, Sekhewal and Shankarpuri during the next few days.

Ludhiana, January 19
About 135 units of blood were collected at a voluntary blood donation camp, organised by a team of doctors and technicians from Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) at Sant Baba Vishakha Singh Sports Club. Kishanpur Kalan in Moga district yesterday.

According to Dr Amarjit Kaur, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Transfusion Medicine, who supervised the camp along with Dr Hitish Narang, assistant professor, Dr Gautam Singal and Dr Gurminder Singh, said the collected blood units would be used for the welfare of the registered children in the DMCH thalassaemia unit under Dr Parveen Sobti.

The camp was inaugurated by Mr Inderjit Singh Shah and Mr Randhawa, DIG, Ferozepore was the chief guest.

Residents of the village, including women, came forward in large numbers to donate blood, showing deep concern for the thalassaemic children.

Mr Harpal Singh donated a sum of Rs 11,000 for thalassaemic society.

Dr Amarjit Kaur further stated that the blood collected at the camp would be processed and screened for all transmissible disease like AIDS and Hepatitis before it was released to the patients.

This would ensure perfect safety of blood to the recipient.

A significant part of the blood collected in the camp would be utilised for the preparation of components so that a single donor’s blood would be available for two or three patients requiring a special component like red cells, platelets and plasma.