Ludhiana, May 23
A free medical camp was organised by the managing committee of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar in J-Block here on Tuesday.

A team of doctors from Dr B.L. Kapur Memorial Hospital, along with supporting staff, conducted the medical check-up of more than 550 patients, who were also provided the facility of free laboratory tests for blood sugar level and ECG. Free medicines were also distributed among the patients.

The team of doctors which rendered services at the camp under the leadership of Dr Wahiguru Pal Singh Sidhu, medical superintendent and leading plastic surgeon of northern India, included Dr Harkamal Sidhu, physician, Dr Daya Sadiq, eye specialist, Dr Anuradha Verma, gynaecologist, Dr Rajni Choudhary and Dr Kapil.

Dr Harkamal Sidhu revealed that a large number of patients were diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiac problems, which she attributed to sedentary lifestyle and bad eating habits. She said it was all the more surprising that home-makers in this posh locality were found to be more prone to these conditions, which, most of the times, remained uncontrolled and even undiagnosed.

Dr Sidhu advised the people, especially women, to improve their food habits, lifestyle and have regular medical check-ups.

The gurdwara committee honoured Dr Wahiguru Pal Singh Sidhu and V.D. Sharma, administrator of the hospital, with siropas, portraits of Harmandir Sahib and mementoes for their commendable services to mankind.

Prominent among others present at the occasion were Gurdeep Singh Leel, Ajmer Singh and Mohinder Singh Khalsa. Guru ka langar was served to the patients and others present at the camp.

Ludhiana, May 23
Puneet, a 25-year-old city resident, is afflicted with a chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has been on haemodialysis since August, 2005.

In the course of life-saving treatment, his own meager financial resources as well as of his family have been exhausted. Now, the only ray of hope for this hapless youth is financial assistance from good Samaritans, voluntary organisations and service clubs of the region.

According to Dr Basant Pawar, professor and head of nephrology in the Christian Medical College and Hospital here, the patient was diagnosed with CKD stage five, secondary to polycystic kidney disease. He needs a lifelong biweekly-treatment of dialysis to sustain life.

Puneet had to leave his job eight months back due to his critical illness.

His mother, a private school teacher, is the sole earning member of the family, making around Rs 3000 per month as his father is also bed-ridden due to polyarthritis.

The CMCH authorities have made an appeal to people to come forward and lend a helping hand to Puneet.

Financial assistance for his treatment in the shape of cheques or drafts, made out in favour of the CMC Ludhiana Society, could be sent to Dr Basant Pawar, head of the Department of Nephrology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. All donations in this respect will be acknowledged.

Ludhiana, May 23
After a gruelling exercise, students representing Shakti House came out triumphant in the boys’ as well as girls’ sections of the inter-house chess competition organised at the Green Land Senior Secondary School, G T Road, near Jalandhar bypass, here, today.

In the boys’ section, the Shakti House team consisting of Pankhil Gupta, Parteek Jain and Mohit Gupta got the better of Jagriti House. Jagriti House was represented by Vishal Sapra, Saksham Jain and Binny Khera. Kirti House finished third.

Shakti House girls’ team outnumbered Jyoti House to win the title. Steffi Verma, Kamalpreet Kaur and Diksha represented the Shakti House while Sunakshi, Juhi Gulati and Lovleen Kaur fought well for the losers. Kirti House secured the third spot.

Baldeep Pandher, principal of the school, gave away prizes to the winners.