Seminar on SARS cure through acupuncture
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, April 21
Killer Pneumonia - SARS can be treated with acupuncture therapy a traditional method of treatment. These views were expressed by Dr R.K.Tuli, Head, Acupuncture Department, Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, at a seminar organised by the Punjab branch of the Acupuncture Association of India here yesterday.

The seminar was organised to discuss acupuncture treatment of respiratory diseases and SARS at Ludhiana Acupuncture Medical College and Dr Kotnis Acupuncture Hospital, Salem Tabri, Ludhiana.

The seminar was inaugurated by Dr T.S.Cheema, Medical Superintendent, Dr K.L. Kapoor Memorial Hospital, and presided over by Dr Sukhwant Singh, In charge, Medicine Department of Dr B.L. Kapoor Hospital, Ludhiana.

Explaining the symptoms of SARS, Dr Tuli said the suspected case first suffered from common cold, cough, fever and stiffness in chest. There were also symptoms of patients suffering from asthma and pneumonia. But in SARS, the patient lacked vital body force to face the disease. With treatment through acupuncture, the vital force of the body was regenerated and restored in the body.

Dr Inderjit Singh, Principal of the college, and Dr Kuljit Singh Bhalla said on the basis of the past 30 years' experience in treatment with acupuncture therapy, the acupuncture treatment had potential to cure patients suffering from chronic and complicated diseases.

Dr T.S. Cheema and Dr Sukhwant Singh said modern medicine should combine treatment with traditional medicines to provide better health. They also demanded that the Punjab Government should recognise acupuncture system of treatment in the state.

Mr Rajinder Singh, President of AAI, also spoke on the occasion.

SPORTS

Amritsar score innings victory
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, April 21
After the three-day match played between Ludhiana and Amritsar in the current Punjab State Inter- District Cricket Championship (under 15) for the Sushil Bali Trophy at the Gandhi ground today, Amritsar ran into controversy with the manager-cum-coach of the Ludhiana team, Mr Dharam Paul, lodging a complaint that Amritsar had played three overage players in the match. A formal complaint was handed over to the two umpires officiating in the match — Arun Passi and Inder Mohan — which reads: Rakesh Mahajan, who hammered 192 runs, Charanjit and Gur Iqbal were above 15 years and this violated the guidelines laid down by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA).

Meanwhile, an office-bearer of the Ludhiana District Cricket Association told Ludhiana Tribune that the PCA might impose a two-year ban on these three players and also impose a fine of Rs 10,000 on the Amritsar Cricket Association for fielding over-age players.

Hosts Amritsar routed Ludhiana by an innings and 51 runs in the inaugural three-day match.

In their first innings, Amritsar had scored 393 for 9 in the allotted 90 overs with their opener, Rakesh Mahajan cracking 192 runs followed by Gur Iqbal Singh who contributed 92 runs while Rahul Khosla chipped in with 49 runs. For Ludhiana, Sushayant Kohli was the main wicket taker claiming six wickets for 65 runs.

In reply, Ludhiana were all out for 174 in 86 overs. Their skipper Mukul Gupta top scored with 55 runs while Atul Kohli and Bharat Malhotra made 25 and 21 runs respectively. Sushyant Kohli contributed 17 runs. Gaurav Bhandari of Amritsar grabbed four wickets after conceding 50 runs. Gur Iqbal and Mayank took two wickets each.

Ludhiana were forced to follow on and in their second innings, they could muster 168 runs in 66 overs thus losing the battle rather tamely by an innings. Sushyant Kohli made 40 runs. Ludhiana captain, Mukul Gupta remained unbeaten on 27 while Savneet and Vishal Passi scored 24 and 17 runs respectively.

For Amritsar, Mayank was the most successful bowler who captured three wickets while Gaurav Bhandari and Charanjit claimed two wickets each.

Ludhiana, now play their second match against Jalandhar from April 23 to 25 at Jalandhar.