Avoid self-medication for eye flu
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 19
Cases of eye flu (conjunctivitis) are being reported in large numbers from across the city. The problem can be avoided with timely precautions. A leading ophthalmologist stressed, “We are not worried about the infection but what is worrisome is that people are into self-medication and are relying on the chemists alone, who prescribe steroids, which can harm the eyes”.

Dr G.S. Bajwa, in charge of the VRS Unit, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), said 20-25 per cent of the patients were suffering from conjunctivitis. “Some patients show complications due to self-medication”.

Dr Bajwa said the patient normally complained of itching and feeling of a foreign body inside the eye, watery discharge and swelling. He said eye flu was self-limiting. “It’s not the kind of flu whereby a permanent spot develops on the cornea”, Dr Bajwa explained.

Dr Bajwa suggested that one must consult a doctor and eyes and hands must be washed frequently. “Children should avoid going to school. One should not shake hands with infected persons. Eyes should not be touched or rubbed. Self-medication should be avoided. Towels and handkerchiefs should not be shared and swimming, in particular, should be avoided”.

Most government hospitals and private clinics are getting patients in clusters. “We are treating families as eye flu spreads faster among those who live in close vicinity”, said another private practitioner.

Taekwondo camp
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, August 19
The Ludhiana Traditional Taekwondo Academy organised a camp at the Kakowal ground, Basti Jodhewal, where nearly 80 young players were given tips on the martial art.

Mr Ajay Kumar Kharbanda, general secretary of the academy, was the chief instructor. Sukhwant Singh and Aftab, black belt holders, informed players about the basics of taekwondo.

Rubani Ansari, a black belt winner, and young players, Salma, Motab and Amit, exhibited a rare show. Rubani allowed a motor cyclist to pass over her belly, while Salma and Amit broke rods with bare hands. Mr Gurdeep Singh, president of the academy, also addressed the participants on the occasion.

DSP (Jails), 2 others suspended

Ludhiana, August 19
The DGP (Prisons), Mr A.P. Bhatnagar, has put under suspension a Deputy Superintendent of Jails and two other employees for assaulting a woman storekeeper of the Women Jail and her two relatives here late last evening.

Those suspended were Mr S.K. Bansal, DSP (Jails), his gunman Budh Singh and Mohinder Pal Singh, a clerk. They also assaulted the daughter and nephew of the woman, Surinder Kaur.

The suspended officials allegedly barged into the house of the woman employee and beat her up. A dispute between the woman and the jail official over the issue of the marriage of their children is stated to be the cause of the incident. The engagement ceremony the son of Mr Bansal and the daughter of the woman, scheduled for August 3, was called off at the last moment due to some dispute between the families.

The woman came for a medical examination at the local Civil Hospital late last night and complained to the DGP today morning. He immediately ordered suspension of the accused. TNS