Eye surgeon warns against self-medication
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 8
Among several other causes of corneal blindness, self-medication and lack of timely and expert medical care for trauma and other eye problems is one of the major reasons.

In an industrial city like Ludhiana, which has a sizeable population of migrants among its industrial work force, the incidence of corneal blindness has assumed alarming proportions because of a large number of cases of ocular trauma and lack of awareness which leads to complications.

These observations were made by Dr Harminder Singh, consultant eye surgeon at Krishna Charitable Hospital, while delivering a lecture to mark the conclusion of an eye donation fortnight, observed from August 25 to September 8 as part of the national programme for control of blindness. The programme was sponsored by the state Directorate of Health.

Dr Harminder Singh said the main objective of the programme was to create awareness about eye donation among the public while at the same time emphasising the need for proper medical care of eye diseases.

Citing a number of cases and the magnitude of self-inflicted corneal blindness, he disclosed that during the past four months, the hospital OPD had received as many as 24 cases of corneal ulceration following industrial trauma.

In a majority of such cases, small injury to the cornea, which otherwise could have been treated with proper medication, ended up in severe infection to the cornea.

“In a majority of the victims of corneal trauma, the wound resulted in either total loss of vision or it healed up with severe visual impairment. The main reason behind this phenomenon is self-medication which patients received from some nearby drug store. In almost all these cases, eye drops dispensed by quacks of chemists were steroid preparations which are strongly contraindicated in eye infections.”

According to him, in 2003, the Director-General, Health Services, in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had written to state health directorates and all NGOs, asking them to take measures against indiscriminate use of steroid eye drops by quacks and chemists. However, the directive is being flouted with impunity in the absence of effective regulation and enforcement.

Stressing the need for a comprehensive awareness campaign against self-medication for all kinds of eye injuries and other problems, he said NGOs and field staff of the Health Department ought to focus on rural population and and industrial workers.

The fact that there were approximately 4.6 million corneal blind people in India and only 12,000 corneal transplants were performed every year should indicate the magnitude of the problem as well as the dire need for corrective steps like awareness and access to qualified medical care.

Health check-up camp by LIC
Our Correspondent

Mandi Gobindgarh, September 8
A health check-up camp was organised yesterday at CS International School, Mandi Gobindgarh, by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC). On completing 50 years, as many as 200 patients were examined at the camp. The camp was inaugurated by Mr R.P. Singh, Senior Branch Manager, Mr V.K. Bansal, Assistant Manager, and Mr Hardeep Singh were also present. Mr Jaswinder Singh Mathroo, president of the school managing committee, welcomed the guests. Dr Amrik Singh (Amloh), dental specialist, examined the students. Mr Jarnail Singh, other members on the management committee and parents of the students were present on the occasion.

Dr Singla takes over as Civil Surgeon

Ludhiana, September 8
Dr Yash Pal Singla assumed the office as the Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, here today.

He replaces Dr Sat Pal Sharma, who has been posted at Ropar in a similar capacity. — OC

Karan Goel restricts Sangrur to 117 runs
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, September 8
Right-arm off spinner, Karan Goel bowled a devastating spell to claim six wickets as Sangrur were restricted to 117 runs in their first innings against Ludhiana in the Punjab State Inter District Cricket Tournament for Katoch Sheild being played at Satish Chander Dhawan Government College ground here today.

Sangrur won the toss and elected to bat first. They could not face the accurate bowling of Ludhiana spinner Karan Goel who ripped apart the visitors batting. He sent down 15 overs, three of which were maiden, conceded 28 runs and grabbed six wickets. Their first eassy culminated at 117 runs in 53.5 overs.

Only four batsmen Harikishan Kali (21), Gagan (23), Karan (19) and Bharat (16) could reach the double figure. Ankur Kakkar, Gaurav Marwaha and Gagandeep Dhand of Ludhiana scalped one victim each.

In reply, hosts were struggling with 81 runs after losing five wickets in 39 overs. Ludhiana lost their established batsmen- Karan Goel, Ankur Kakkar and Gaurav Marwaha cheaply — thanks to fine bowling by Bablu Kumar of Sangrur who captured four wickets for 34 runs. Ankur Kakkar contributed 17 runs while Gaurav Marwaha made only six runs.

At draw of stumps, Tarun Passi and Bharat Malhotra were at the crease with 21 runs each.

Death of cricketer’s father mourned
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, September 8
The Ludhiana District Cricket Association (LDCA) has mourned the death of Harjit Singh Toor, father of Indian fast bowler Gagandeep Singh.

Harjit Singh (56) died of a cardiac arrest at a local hospital last week where he was recovering after undergoing a bypass surgery. He is survived by his wife and three sons.

A resolution condoling the demise of Harjit Singh was passed in a meeting of the executive committee of the LDCA held here yesterday. Two-minute silence was also observed in memory of the departed soul.

Mr Charanjit Singh and Mr Chaman Lal Malhotra, life president and co-chairman of the LDCA, along with Mr Rajinder Nath Mahajan, president of the association, and Mr Vinod Chitkara, honorary general secretary, joined other members of the committee in expressing sorrow on Harjit Singh’s death.

GNIMT student to represent India in roller hockey meet
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, September 8
Jodh Singh, a BCA third semester student of the Guru Nanak Institute of Management and Technology, Gujarkhan Campus, Model Town, Ludhiana, has been selected to represent India in the World Men Roller Hockey Championship slated to be held from September 19 to 25 in Uruguay.

According to a press note issued by Dr (Col) H.S. Singh, Director, GNIMT, here today, after his performances in the National Skating Championship in Kolkata and the National School Games, where he excelled and clinched medals, Jodh Singh secured a berth in the national squad for the international meet.

He participated in the World Speed Skating Championship held last year in China and also competed in the Laurie Hastie Cup organised at Palmerston (North), New Zealand, in May where he won silver medals in 400 m and 800 m events.

GPS girls shine
Our Correspondent

Mandi Gobindgarh, September 8
GPS girls (under 16) took part in the Punjab School Education Board Cricket Competition held at Sanghol village, defeating Khamano Zone by a huge margin. By virtue of this win, the team will represent Fatehgarh Sahib district at the state-level tournament.

Six girls (under 19) participating in cricket tournaments, Fatehgarh Sahib had been selected for the state-level competition, said Mr Bahadur Singh, principal of the school, in a press note here today.