Chandigarh: PGIMER Chandigarh has achieved a significant milestone in healthcare by successfully performing three cervical spine disc replacements in the span of just one week. The surgeries, conducted by Dr. Vishal Kumar, Additional Professor of Orthopedics, have brought relief to patients suffering from Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy.

The patients, including a 57-year-old female and two male patients aged 49 and 54, were experiencing difficulty in walking, decreased hand grip, and neck pain radiating to their upper limbs. Following the surgeries, all patients reported improved pain and are on the path to recovery.

The procedures, which involve the replacement of cervical discs to restore normal function and flexibility of the spine, have been made possible through government health care schemes like Ayushman Bharat. The patients, hailing from diverse backgrounds, have expressed their gratitude for the care and empathy received at PGIMER Chandigarh.

Dr Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER  extended his congratulations to the surgeons for their exceptional work and praised Dr. Vishal for his innovative approach to spine surgery. Dr Lal said, “The team’s dedication and expertise have resulted in improved outcomes for patients suffering from Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. Their commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services and pushing the boundaries of medical innovation have been instrumental in bringing relief and restoring mobility to those in need”.

 “The achievements of Dr. Vishal and his team truly exemplify excellence in healthcare”, said Dr Lal

Dr. Vishal Kumar, known for his expertise in spine surgery and innovative approaches, has been instrumental in the successful outcomes of these surgeries. His contributions to the field of spine surgery have been recognized with many national awards and patents for his inventions. Dr Vishal has more than ten patents, copyrights, inventions and description of surgical approaches and procedures to his credit till date.

Chandigarh: “Stroke is emerging as the new epidemic worldwide with 1.5 to 2 million new stroke cases being reported across the globe every year. The reason for increased incidence in India, which accounts for 60 % of all stroke patients globally is lack of awareness about the disease per se and the methods of prevention,” said Dr Vineet Saggar, Senior Neurosurgeon, Livasa Hospital, Mohali.

Addressing a press conference, Dr Saggar, said that stroke remains a silent epidemic despite it being responsible for more deaths annually than those caused by AIDS, TB and malaria.

Dr Pradeep Sharma, Neurologist, said that now with a new mechanical thrombectomy technique the stroke patients can be treated in selected cases till 24 hours. In this technique the clot is either aspirated or taken out of the brain with the help of a stent without opening the brain.

Dr Jaspreet Randhawa, Neurosurgeon said,” Recently the American Stroke Association has also modified its guidelines and has recommended mechanical thrombectomy treatment for stroke patients. Thus, it is very important to be aware of the hospitals which can offer these treatments. Merely reaching the hospitals is not enough, one needs to reach a stroke ready hospital,”

Dr Swati Garg, Neurologist said, “In Indian cities including metro cities, only 3% of the eligible stroke patients receive thromboembolic drugs to remove clotting as they are brought to hospital on time. The rest are paralyzed as they are brought in late to super specialty hospitals and cannot be administered clot buster drugs,”

Thus, the stroke patient needs to rush to a hospital with comprehensive stroke care, a multidisciplinary team of emergency physicians, neurologists, interventional neuro-radiologists, neurosurgeons, anesthetists and critical care physicians, Dr Jaslovleen Kaur, neurologist, maintained.

Tips to prevent brain strokes:

1. Maintain blood pressure

2. Maintain optimum weight

3. Exercise more

4. Drink alcohol in moderation

5. Take a baby aspirin

6. Maintain diabetes

7. Quit smoking

8. Be Aware about stroke

9. Maintain healthy BMI and hips to waist ratio

Chandigarh: Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday jointly unveiled the coffee table book titled ‘Haryana Raj Bhavan – Ek Drishti’ at a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan.  Dattatraya highlighted the significance of the book, stating that this publication serves as a lasting testament to the values, heritage, and traditions that Haryana stands for, connecting our citizens with the state’s administrative and cultural legacy. Saini praised the Coffee Table book as an important achievement that encapsulates the spirit of Haryana’s rich cultural ethos and the Raj Bhavan’s pivotal role in governance. This commemorative book captures the architectural grandeur of the Haryana Raj Bhavan, cultural events of the state and important programmes attended and addressed by Dattatraya.

Chandigarh, October 25: Haryana Chief Secretary Dr. TVSN Prasad chaired the 21st meeting of the Standing Committee of the Northern Zonal Council today at Hotel Lalit, Chandigarh. The meeting was attended by Sh. K. Moses Chalai, Secretary of the Inter State Council Secretariat (ISCS), Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh Sh. Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary of Rajasthan Sh. Sudhansh Pant, Chief Secretary of Punjab Sh. KAP Sinha, and senior officers from the participating States, Union Territories (UTs), and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Participating states included Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh, along with the UTs of Ladakh, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Various important matters discussed in the meeting of NZC held under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister  Sh Amit Shah at Amritsar last year were also discussed in the meeting.

Councils facilitate discussions on a wide range of issues, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation

In his welcome address, Dr. Prasad highlighted the importance of Zonal Councils in promoting cooperative federalism, which empowers states and enhances coordination between the Centre and the states within the policy framework. He said that these councils facilitate discussions on a wide range of issues, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that the Zonal Council meetings enable a coordinated approach to address critical social and economic development issues. This collaborative environment aids in resolving pending matters amicably between the Centre and the states, as well as among the participating states, and allows them to share and adopt best practices.

Dr. Prasad  invited participants to explore Rakhigarhi and to visit the holy land of Kurukshetra

Dr. Prasad also expressed pride in Haryana’s rich cultural heritage, inviting participants to explore Rakhigarhi in district Hisar, the site of one of the oldest civilizations, and to visit the holy land of Kurukshetra, where Lord Krishna delivered the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

Speedy investigation of cases of rape and sexual offences  against women and children

The meeting also stressed upon the need of speedy investigation of cases of rape and sexual offences  against women and children. The Government in 2018 approved the Criminal Law ( Amendment ) Act 2018 prescribing stringent provisions for sexual offences including award of death penalty in the rape of a girl below the age of 12 years of age. In order to ensure compliance to the two months timeline for completion of investigation under the the Criminal Law ( Amendment ) Act 2018, advisories are being issued to all the States, UTs along with compliance reports urging them for hundred percent compliance in order for the effective implementation of the Act, the measures to strengthen investigation and prosecution machinery will instill a sense of security amongst women.

Several important inter-state issues discussed

Several inter state issues were also discussed in the meeting including need for neighbouring states to shift to cleaner fuels such as piped natural gas in their industries, complete ban on manufacturing, storage, sale ( including delivery through online marketing platforms) and bursting of all kinds of crackers in NCR , vehicular pollution control : BS VI vehicles registration and electric vehicle promotion and discourage entry of non-destined truck into Delhi.

A total of 69 issues were discussed in the 21st meeting of the Standing Committee of Northern Zonal  Council. Out of these several issues have been identified as important topics at the national level, these are being regularly discussed and monitored in the meetings of various zonal councils. These included Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana , effective implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer for Social Security Schemes, addressing malnutrition among girl children through Poshan Abhiyan, dropout rate of school children, Sahakar-se-Samriddhi, good practices of States and UTs,  improving banking services in rural areas, speedy investigation of  cases regarding rape and sexual offences against women and children and setting up of fast track court for such cases.

States/UT shared best practices

During the meeting, the participating states and UTs gave presentations on the good practices adopted by them. From Rajasthan, Special Secretary Planning Anupama Jorwal  gave presentation on Smart shift from paper to pixel and Rajasthan Jan Aadhar Yojna, from Chandigarh SP Head Quarter Chandigarh Ketan Bansal on Implementation of New Criminal Laws, from Haryana Additional Chief Secretary Raja Shekhar Vundru on AHD Department ,  Dr Saket Kumar on Energy Department and Amneet P Kumar on WCD Haryana.

From Himachal Pradesh Secretary Ashish Singhmar gave presentation on Child Protection Schemes and Director Fisheries Vivek Chandel on Trout Fish Farming in Cages, a new step towards blue revolution, from Ladakh Sajad Mufti on India’s first dark sky reserve ‘Hanle’ and from Punjab Ajoy Sharma gave presentation on Door Step Service Delivery, Barnala Pahunch and Future Tycoons.

In his closing remarks Chief Secretary Dr. TVSN Prasad praised the innovative practices shared by the states, emphasizing that the meeting served as an excellent platform for collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

Vote of thanx was presented by Special  Secretary Monitoring and Coordination Dr Priyanka Soni .

Chandigarh: The MSME credit access in India is only 14%, whereas it stands at 72% in the U.S. and between 40-50% in other countries. Hence, expanding credit by empowering MSMEs is crucial. This was stated by Rajat Chopra, Founder and CEO of BankersKlub, during a press conference here today.

He provided insights into the innovative FinTech platform, BankersKlub, explaining how they are working to bring a transformation in the financial advisory field with the help of experienced bankers.

He shared plans to expand into northern Indian states and central regions like Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, with the leadership of the organization’s first co-partner, Rajiv Puri, a seasoned banking expert and former Executive Director of the Central Bank of India. BankersKlub is strengthening its regional efforts with a goal of engaging more than 1,000 bankers in these regions. Under its expansion plans, the organization has opened a new branch office in Chandigarh, located in Sector 17. The operations for this region will be run from this office. Through the assistance of qualified former bankers, the company will offer numerous strategic corporate financial advisory services and solutions to small businesses, MSMEs, and startups.

Rajiv Puri brings deep experience in the banking sector, having held significant positions in PNB and Central Bank. He will now contribute his expertise to BankersKlub. Born in Punjab, Puri has a strong local network and deep understanding of northern India’s market. He will drive growth in markets like Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal.

The new office in Chandigarh will strengthen the growing network in northern India, ensuring smooth operations. With Rajiv Puri’s leadership and broad network, we are now well-positioned in this emerging business hub and will directly engage with local corporates, MSMEs, and the startup ecosystem.

Rajiv Puri, Director and Co-Partner at BankersKlub, expressed his excitement at being part of BankersKlub’s mission to bridge the gap between experienced banking professionals and growing businesses in India. He stated that with the Chandigarh office, they will be able to provide customized financial advisory services and strengthen their ties with industries in northern India. Leveraging decades of banking experience, they will help businesses seize growth opportunities, improve their financial standing, and face financial challenges more effectively. As a co-partner, Puri is eager to advance this mission and contribute to BankersKlub’s expansion across the country.

Rajat Chopra emphasized that capital availability for enterprises can only be provided by expanding into Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where there is a lack of awareness about funding opportunities, transaction flow, and available financial facilities. At BankersKlub, the aim is to act as a catalyst in bridging the gap between capital providers and those in need of capital in smaller cities.

BankersKlub offers services in debt and equity fundraising, debt restructuring, international expansion, NPA resolution, mergers and acquisitions, MSME advisory, regulatory compliance, and more. It contributes not only to financing but also to the broader economic development in the region. The platform’s goal of reutilizing human capital aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, aiming to boost GDP through the expertise of Indian advisors for corporates in both domestic and international markets.

The startup plans to engage over 1,000 bankers on its platform by March 2025, incorporating retired bankers from across India. The platform is rapidly expanding and is establishing its presence in key business centers, offering its services to MSMEs and the corporate ecosystem.

Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Administration on Monday launched an 8-day awareness campaign, inaugurated by Rajiv Verma, Adviser to UT Administrator at the UT Secretariat. The campaign focuses on eliminating beggary in the city and promoting a more compassionate way of supporting those in needs. Various departments are actively participating in this drive. The Department of Police, in collaboration with the Anti Human Trafficking Unit and the Union Territory Child Protection Unit, will conduct rescue operations. The Department of Excise will increase vigilance in market areas to curb street begging and exploitation. The Department of School Education will raise awareness across schools to educate children on the social implications of beggary. Additionally, NSS volunteers will engage the public through flash mobs to spread awareness and discourage giving alms. Citizens are encouraged to contribute by donating winter essentials such as new socks, gloves, shoes, mufflers, scarves, and school supplies at designated ‘Neki ki Deewar’ locations: Nari Niketan, Sector 26; Old Age Homes, Sectors 15 and 43; and Snehalaya, Sector 39, from 21st to 28th October 2024.

The Adviser to Administrator urged the citizens of Chandigarh not to give alms to beggars and not to buy things from children on roads, traffic signals and round abouts so as to curb problems of begging, child trafficking and child labour. He further said that the donations made at the designated ‘Neki Ki Deewar’ locations would bring happiness in the lives of needy women, children and senior citizens. Sh. Rajiv Verma also urged the citizens that such acts of benevolence may be captured on camera and selfie be posted on social media, tagging the Social Welfare Department, UT Chandigarh with hashtag ‘Beggar free Chandigarh”. He said that let us all come forward to make the City Beautiful as beggar free city.

This campaign has been initiated by the Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Chandigarh Administration. Present during the occasion were Anuradha Chagti, Secretary Social Welfare, Ajay Chagti, Secretary Health and Prerna Puri, Secretary Education along with other officials of Chandigarh Administration.