The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

Hormones can be used to treat secondary breast cancer
Our Correspondent

Mohali, October 14
Hormones, especially the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, affect the growth of some breast cancer cells. This means that hormones, or drugs that block hormones, can be used to treat some types of secondary breast cancer. They can stop or slow down the development of the cancer cells and can reduce symptoms.

This was stated by Dr Ashish Bakshi, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, at a National Breast Cancer Summit held at Fortis Hospital here today .

Talking about ‘Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer’ Dr Arvind Verma, HoD Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Oswal Cancer Hospital, Ludhiana, said,“ Radiotherapy in breast cancer decreased the reoccurrence rate of cancer in areas close to the affected area. Nowadays, there were newer methods of radiotherapy available for lesser side effects and shorter treatment time. Radiotherapy was particularly useful in young women requiring breast conservative surgeries.

Col. M. Ganguly, Senior Advisor (Surgery and Surgical Oncology) and HoD Oncology at Command Hospital (WC) Chandimandir, said most of the breast cancers cases in India had to lose their breast. He went on to discuss in detail the recent advance of Sentinel Node Biopsy Technique, by which it was possible to pick out only the involved lymph node and hence save the patient from a more extensive removal of axillary nodes. This saves post operative side effects such as swelling of the affected arm, loss of sensation and tendency of infection in the arm.

Dr Kishore Chaudhary, Dy Director, ICMR, New Delhi, while speaking on the Epidemiology of Cancer in India, said it was very successful in identifying environmental and lifestyle factors that increase or reduce risk of specific cancers, leading to cancer prevention strategies. However, the evolution of many types of cancer is still poorly understood, despite extensive use of questionnaires and interview-based approaches in conventional epidemiologic studies.

The cancer summit received tremendous enthusiasm and interest with over 100 expert oncologists, onco-surgeons and related specialists from the country attending it. The summit was spearheaded by Dr Rajiv Bedi, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Mohali.

The traditional lamp was lit by the chief guest Prof R.C Sobti, VC, Panjab University, Chandigarh, in the presence of Maj Gen. Pruthwiraj Rao, Commandant, Command Hospital, Western Command, Chandimandir and Brig S.S Jaitawat, Deputy Commandant, Command Hospital.

In his welcome address Mr Ashish Bhatia, COO, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, emphasised on the importance of communicating the patient’s condition to the attendant and patient. He also talked about the significance of the written assessment of the patients’ reports, being clear, detailed and legible.

PGI hikes user charges
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 14
Following in the footsteps of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has also decided to raise the user charges, thus affecting the common patients on a large scale.

The hike in various users charges was passed in a meeting of the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) chaired by Mr Prasanna Hota, Union Secretary Health and Family Welfare, in the PGI here today. Apart from the members of the committee, Dr K.K. Talwar, Director of the PGIMER, was also present in the meeting.

The charges for the private ward have been increased by Rs 150 per day.

The charges for the general ward have been increased by Rs 15 per day. In case of the private ward, the user charges have gone up from Rs 850 to Rs 1,000 while the patients admitted to general wards will have to pay Rs 100 on daily basis. The committee also cleared proposals for giving certain packages to the patients on certain treatment procedures. Charges for certain tests have also been increased.

The proposal of covering the employees, who have undergone research schemes for at least five years, under pension scheme has also been finalised in the SFC meeting. Decision will come in force after the final approval in the governing body meeting.

Dengue not ‘dreaded’, says Union Secy
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 14
“As no CHS cadre doctor was prepared to go to Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss got angry and appointed a veterinary as head of the Centre Research Institute, Kausali”, claimed Union Health Secretary Prasanna Hota here today while justifying the appointment of Mr K.R. Mani as Director of the institute.

Mr Hota was in the city for the inauguration of the National Institute of Paramedical Sciences (NIPS) at the PGI.

Over the spread of dengue across the country, the Secretary said the disease was not “dreaded”. The number of affected people was far less than previous years. Only 4,000 cases of dengue had been reported so far compared to 10,000 or 12,000 in previous years. The nature of virus, causing dengue, was milder this time, he added.

He, however, said the media attention had been making the situation look bigger. More and more people were going to hospitals because of increased awareness.

In his inaugural address, the Secretary emphasised that medical personnel and their technical counterparts must support each other for achieving better results.

They should carry out their works and researches with the aim of benefiting general public.

Mr Hota took a round of the institute and interacted with students. He was of the view that the medical laboratory technologists were equally important as the doctors.

He announced a grant Rs 1 crore for building a library at the institute.

Prof K.K. Talwar, Director of the PGI, welcomed Mr Hota while Prof Amod Gupta, Sub-Dean, proposed the vote of thanks.

Dengue patients continue to pour in
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 14
The number of confirmed cases of dengue in different city hospitals went up to 177 today. Out of these 48 positive cases are from Chandigarh. With 25 suspected new cases being reported at the PGI, the number of cases reached 320.

The teams of UT Health Department carried out fogging operations in areas of Sector 29, 30, 31 and 34. Special teams were deployed in Labour Colony No. 4 and 5, Palsora and Kajheri colonies.

Eye check-up camp held
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 15
An eye check up and screening camp was organised by the Lions Club Chandigarh Host in collaboration with Director, UT Health Services at poly clinic, Sector 45, Chandigarh recently. Medicines, diet and spectacles were provided to the needy patients by club members on the occasion.

Zone Chairman of the Lions Club District 321-F Subhash Arora visited the camp and appreciated president of the club H.S Thakur for carrying out such projects and helping the needy.

Lions Club International had adopted the blindness eradication project in 1989 and in the past 17 years, as many as five million cataract operations have been conducted world wide and in India 1.5 IOL are carried out annually.

Governor of District 321-F of Lions Club International R.K Rana was also present on the occasion. The patients were screened for operations, and needy patients were identified for grant of spectacles. Operations would be conducted at Sector 16 hospital.

Mr Thakur informed that another camp for heart patients would be organised at Mukut Hospital on October 29.

Medical camp at school
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 14
A free medical check-up camp was organised at St Soldier International School, Sector 38, here today. The camp was organised in association with the Health Aid Medicare.

A team of doctors gave health tips to students of classes pre-nursery to XII and counselled them as regards positive and healthy lifestyle to prevent transmission of infectious diseases.

Rock Rovers beat CISF, lift trophy
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 14
The Rock Rovers Club lifted the trophy after beating the CISF team by 2-0 in the Chandigarh State Hockey Championship (Seniors) at the Hockey Stadium, Sector 42, here today.

Displaying good coordination and stick work, the Rock Rovers opened their account in the 19th minute of the game through Ravi Pal with a field goal. CISF forwards made some good moves and waded through the defence of the rivals many a time to get an equaliser but squandered all the chances due to lacking in finishing.

At the breather, the score was 1-0. In the 66th minute, Vikram of Rovers struck the second goal and sealed the 2-0 victory for the team.

In the match Rock Rovers earned two penalty corners whereas CISF got seven penalty corners but much to the disappointment all the chances were wasted by both the teams.

The chief guest, Mr J.S. Sandhu, president, Rock Rovers Club, distributed the prizes.

It’s St Joseph’s Blue vs Grey in sepak takraw final
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 14
Defending champions St Joseph’s School-44 (Blue) and runners-up St Joseph’s-44 (Grey) entered the final in the girls section of the Third Chandigarh Junior State Sepak Takraw Championship for the Santosh Kumar Rana Trophy played at St Joseph’s School-44.

The results: girls (semifinals) — St Joseph’s-44 (Blue) b Mt Carmel-47(A) 21-15, 21-18; St Joseph’s-44 (Grey) b Mt Carmel-47(B) 8-21, 23-21,15-13

League matches (girls): Pool-A —

St Joseph’s-44 (Blue) b Mt Carmel-47(B) 21-18, 21-11; Mt Carmel-47(B) b Flanker Club 21-10, 21-18 ; St Joseph’s-44 (Blue) b Unified Club 21-9, 21-11; Mt Carmel-47(B) b Unified Club 21-17, 21-7; St Joseph’s-44 (Blue) b Flanker’s Club 21-6, 29-5; Flanker’s Club b Unified Club 21-17, 21-16.

Pool-B — Mt Carmel-47(A) b Kids ‘R’ Kids 21-14, 21-15; St Joseph’s 44 (Grey) b Chandigarh Club 21-12, 21-9; Kids ‘R’ Kids b Chandigarh Club 21-19, 21-18; St Joseph’s-44 (Grey) b Kids ‘R’ Kids-4 21-7, 21-9; St Joseph’s 44 (Grey ) b Mt Carmel-47(A) 21-19, 13-21, 15-11.

Boys section: Pool-A — St Joseph’s 44 (A) b AKSIPS-4118-21, 21-17, 15-10; St Joseph’s CC 44 b Ryan-49(B) 21-11, 21-11; Ryan-49 (B) b St Joseph’s 44 (A) 16-21, 22-20, 15-11; St Joseph’s CC 44 b AKSIPS-4121-12, 13-21, 15-13; Ryan-49 (B) b AKSIPS-4122-20, 21-19; St Joseph’s CC 44 b St Joseph’s 4421-7, 21-14

Pool-B — Mt Carmel-47 (A) b Ryan-49 (A) 21-13, 21-16 Ryan-49 (A) b Kids ‘R’ Kids 21-16 , 21-10; Kids ‘R’ Kids b GHSK Lahora 22-20, 11-21, 15-13; Mt Carmel-47(A) b Kids ‘R’ Kids 21-13, 21-10; Mt Carmel 47 (A) b GHSK Lahora 21-4, 21-6

Pool-C — GMSSS-19 (A) b Mt Carmel-47(B) 21-14, 21-16; SNS-22 (B) b Mt Carmel-47(B) 21-7, 21-17; GMSSS-19 (A) b SNS-22 (B) 21-19, 21-11

Pool-D — DAVSSS-8 b GMSSS-19 13-21, 21-12, 15-11; GMSSS-19 (B) b SNS-22(A) 21-15, 21-16; SNS-22 (A) b St Joseph’s 44 (B) 21-12, 21-11; GMSSS-19 (B) b St Joseph’s 44 (B) 21-19, 21-11; DAVSSS-8 b St Joseph’s 44 21-10, 21-9; DAVSSS-8 b SNS-22 20-22, 21-19.

UT all set for Premier Hockey League
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 14
The decision of the Indian Hockey Federation to hold for the second consecutive year the prestigious Premier Hockey League matches at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here has brought cheers to the faces of the game lovers of the region.

“February will be ideal,” remarked Sukhvir Singh Grewal, a former international player.

“In February, there is no problem of fog. Further, it is the time when the city is in the middle of its annual festival season. The Rose Festival and the festival of gardens are normally held in February,” remarked another international, Gurdishpal Singh.

Though there has been no official intimation about holding the PHL for the second consecutive time, the Chandigarh Sports Department officials hope to hear from the organisers of the league soon.

The organisers, besides booking the ground, also pay for the infrastructure used for the conduct of the league.

“They paid for all services provided to them. This included electricity bills,” says Dr J.P.S. Sidhu, Joint Director of Sports of the Chandigarh Administration.

The organisers were overwhelmed by the response from the local crowd during the last edition.

Though now, the Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar has also been provided with floodlights, Chandigarh continues to be the first choice.

The number of matches this time may be less than last year as the IHF has decided to merge upper and lower tiers into one. This time number of foreign players will also be more. The organisers hope to bring in 21 foreign players this time.

Besides Chandigarh, other team from the region is Sher-e-Jalandhar.

Squash tourney in full flow
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 14
Mukul of St John’s-26 beat Hakhsmeet of Vivek High School-38 in the under-9 boys group while Kiran beat Saumya in the first round of Chandigarh State Squash Championship held on the Lake Sports Complex squash courts here today.

The following are the results.

U - 9 (boys): Ravnit got walk over against Jaiveer, Sidak b Sharvan, Kanav b Shakshar and Mukul b Hakhsmeet; U-13 (boys): Raghuvijay b Srviats, Ashish b Sidharath, Hiteshwar b Chetvir, Maheep b Harjot, Arun b Chabra, Abhijeet b Karman, Dhruv b Parth and Shobit b Pulkit; U-15 (girls): Pratyisha got walk over against Komal, Palak b Nimrat, Ada b Disha and Saumya b Mansi

Women’s open: Pratyisha b Palak, Kiran b Saumya, Rupam b Ada and Thach b Nimrat.

U-19 (boys): Narinder b Mukul, Ameek b Useem, Tarandeep b Abir and Abhya b Ajitesh.

Men’s open: Khushwant got walk over against Jassi, Abhay b Vinag, Vikas Nayyar b Grewal, Abhilakshay b Romey Gill, Maninder Pal Sandhu b Ankush, S. Toor b Karan, Sanam b Rakesh, Arvind b Himanshu, Samrah b Rajat, Aiman b Abhir, Anmol b Sumit and Puneet Virk b Padam

Men’s Above 35: Sandeep Toor b Amit and Surinder lost to Godly.

28 players selected for national hockey tourney
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 14
The Chandigarh Hockey Association has selected a total of 28 players from the Chandigarh State Hockey Championship (Seniors) that concluded at Hockey Stadium, Sector 42, here today.

The players will represent Chandigarh in the 62nd Senior National Hockey Championship to be played at four venues, including Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Bhaini Sahib. A four-day camp will be organised at Sector 42 stadium, starting from October 16. During the camp, 18 players will be picked up for the event.

Following are the names of the players: Goalkeeper —Sunny Samuals, Rupinder Singh, Shamsher Singh; Full Back — Saurabh Bishnoi, Gurdip Singh, Khushwant Bajwa and Rupinder Pal Singh; Half Back — S.S. Gill, Pardeep Kumar, Davinder Chandra, Simranjit Singh, Preet Inder Singh, Mnamohan Singh, Baldev Singh, Gursewak Singh, Rubdeep Bhatia, Forwards: Ravi Pal Singh, Navdeep Singh, Amar Aiyamma, Vikram Saini, Harman Singh, Dharamvir Singh, Satwinder Singh, Jujhar Singh Randhawa, Manoj Kumar, Sukhvir Singh, J. Khujjar, Naveen Rawat and Sarabjeet Singh.