HEALTH

Morphine safe for cancer patients
Our Correspondent

Jagraon, September 25
Cancer is curable if detected at the right time. These views were expressed by Dr Raman Arora, former consultant at Oswal Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, Ludhiana, at a meeting of the IMA which was attended by prominent doctors of the area.

He said WHO data suggested that in developing countries 33 per cent of cancer could be cured while in developed countries it was between 50 per cent and 64 per cent.

Delivering a CME lecture on “Is cancer curable?” and giving some tips about cancer pain management, besides newer therapies, he said the treatment of cancer had been successful in certain childhood cancers.

While in certain cancers, the over all results were the same, it was now possible to preserve cancer-affected organs. “What I need to say is that every organ need not be amputated,” he said. One could give chemotherapy or radiation to achieve it . After a midterm assessment of response, a decision was made whether a patient could be cured by chemotherapy and radiotherapy or surgery.

In the management of pain in terminally sick cancer patients, step- ladder approach was followed and in very intense pain, one could use morphine directly in such cases without fear of addiction, he said.

On the availability of morphine, he said the policy of the government did not allow accelerated supply or stocking of morphine in hospitals.

While there was a ceiling over other analgesic drugs, the overdose of which could damage kidney etc, morphine, even if given for a long period, had no side effect, he added.

Civil Defence holds eye-donation camp
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 25
Civil Defence, Division-2, Ludhiana, organised an eye-donation camp under the leadership of Divisional and Deputy Divisional Warden Satpreet Singh and Harpreet Singh Bedi, respectively, at S.V.N. School, Block I, B.R.S. Nagar.

The chief guest on this occasion was Mr T.S. Gill along with special guest Mr Darshan Rahal, Divisional Warden, Ludhiana.

Post and sector wardens, who were present in large numbers, filled eye- donation forms with the help of the Punorjot Eye Bank of Mansoora. Mr Satpreet Singh, Divisional Warden, provided detailed information about the working and structure of the Civil Defence so that wardens and members can help Govt and society in every possible way.

Surinder Bhatia , Ranbir Singh , Sanjeev Chugh , Navdeep , Avtar Singh , Shanky Bedi, Joginder Tinu, Jasbir Saini , Manjit Dhariwal were honoured and presented with traning certificates by Mr Gill and Mr Harpreet Bedi.

Mr Gill appreciated the full attendance and discipline among wardens of the Division-2. Deputy Divisional Warden Mr Harpreet Bedi presented the vote of thanks.

Wheatgrass in powder form
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 25
After the launch of wheatgrass tablets “deerghayu”, Wheatgrass (India) Limited has launched it in powder form. It will be available in the market as “greenaush.”

Mr Sanjay K. Redekar, Managing Director of the company, said a week-old plant of wheatgrass was a rich source of various nutrients like chlorophyll, vitamins A, B-17, C and E, proteins, amino acids, calcium, magnesium, zinc, dietary fibre and minerals.

The powder form of wheatgrass would be more convenient to consume. It had been introduced in 1- gm sachets and boxes containing 60 sachets each. The powder form would have all the benefits provided by the tablets.

“The ingredients in wheatgrass are capable of taking care of almost every major disease. Chlorophyll, its major component, is known to not only increase the count of haemoglobin, but also improve the digestive system. Being a natural pesticide, it cleans toxins from the body, besides providing vitamin A that helps in kidney stone problems,” he said.

Mr Redekar said apart from these benefits, wheatgrass tablets would take care of chronic diseases and disorders like cancer, acidity, ulcer, pregnancy problems, menstrual problems, hormones, deficiencies, weak eyesight and wounds. Being rich in minerals, it would also help in the generation of natural insulin.