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Breast Cancer Awareness month celebration

The Chandigarh NCD Registry, established as the first integrated Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) Registry in the WHO South-East Asia Region, serves as a unique model for comprehensive NCD surveillance. The registry compiles and analyses data from multiple sources, including government and private hospitals, laboratories, and death records, to track the burden, outcomes, and trends of major NCDs such as cancer, stroke, Heart attacks, young diabetes, aplastic anemia, chronic kidney disease and RF/RHD initiated from July 2018 onwards.

World NCD Federation in collaboration with Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh and Health Department, Chandigarh Administration, released the 2nd Report of the Chandigarh NCD Registry including Chandigarh Cancer Registry on 11th October 2025 at the Advanced Eye Centre Auditorium, PGIMER Chandigarh. The Chandigarh NCD Registry started as Chandigarh Cancer Registry in 2013 and was upscaled to include 5 diseases from July, 2018.

The main event marked the release of the 2nd Report of the Chandigarh Noncommunicable Disease Registry (2018–2021), including the Chandigarh Cancer Registry. Prof. JS Thakur, President, World NCD Federation, delivered the Welcome Address and presented the Key Highlights of the report, emphasizing the role of registry data in guiding targeted interventions and health system strengthening. He highlighted the Burden of NCDs and mentioned that from July 2018 to December 2021, the maximum cases reported for cancer (n=4166, 62.9%), of all the cases reported under Chandigarh NCD Registry. This was followed by cases of acute cardiac events (n=1835, 27.7%), stroke (n=547, 8.3%), young diabetes (n=54, 0.8%) and aplastic anemia (n=20, 0.3%). Regarding the NCD risk factors 20% were smokers and 3% reported using smokeless tobacco products. Alcohol consumption was noted in 24% of individuals. In terms of dietary habits, approximately 54% of males and 53% of females reported consuming fruits and vegetables daily, reflecting a moderate adherence to healthy dietary practices. Regarding physical activity levels, 73.9% of males and 65.1% of females were classified as physically active, indicating a relatively high proportion of the population engaging in regular physical exercise.

For Chandigarh: The age adjusted incidence among cancer cases reported from UT was 97.33 per 1,00,000 for males and 98.74 per 1,00,000 for females. The age adjusted mortality rate was 50.02 per 1,00,000 for males and 46.88 per 1,00,000 for females. Majority of the male patients were diagnosed with the lung cancer (14.7%), followed by Prostate (13.9%), Urinary bladder (6.7%). Majority of the male patients were died with the lung cancer (15.6%), followed by liver cancer (5.6%), Prostate (5.6%). Majority of the female patients were diagnosed with the breast cancer (36.3%), followed by cancer of ovarian cancer (7.4%), cervix uteri (6.6%) Endometrium (6.1%), and Gall bladder (4.1%). Majority of the female patients were died with the breast cancer (20.7%), followed by Gall bladder (9.2%) and ovary (6.4%).

The key dignitaries included, Dr Manish Bansal, DGHS, Haryana; Prof. Gurvinder Pal Thami, Director Principal, GMCH-32; and Dr Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The key dignitaries released the  Report and Fact sheet of Chandigarh NCD Registry including Chandigarh Cancer Registry. Dr Manish Bansal in his address sought the guidance from PGIMER for operating a tertiary care hospital in Ambala, training of manpower, establishing stroke units in all district hospitals and help of PGIMER in planning of next PIP and he highlighted that they are setting Integrated NCD Registry in few districts. Prof GP Thami, expressed that this release ceremony is an important milestone for Chandigarh NCD Registry and GMCH-32 is honoured to be a part of this and extend full support of GMCH-32 Administration for the registry.

To mark the celebration of breast cancer awareness month, a Poster Competition on Breast Cancer Awareness: Prevention, Screening, and Control was organized. This competition received an overwhelming response, with a total of 16 entries from enthusiastic participants showcasing creativity and scientific understanding of breast cancer awareness. The first, second and third prize were given to Ananya Sharma, DCM &SPH; Dr Dheenadhayalan, JR, DCM &SPH; and Dr Vignesh, JR, DCM &SPH respectively. Two consolation prizes were also given to Rohini Kumari and Vijayshree Singh, NINE, PGIMER.

The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Prof. Rakesh Kapoor, Secretary, World NCD Federation, acknowledging the valuable contributions of all experts, partners, and participants.

The programme highlighted two high-level panel discussions that addressed crucial aspects of cancer and NCD registry strengthening. First Panel Discussion on the “Role Cancer Registries for Cancer Control” chaired by Prof. Rakesh Kapoor, Unit Head, Dept of Radiotherapy and Oncology and Prof. Samir Malhotra, Head, Dept of Pharmacology at PGIMER, moderated by Prof Pankaj Malhotra, Head, Dept of Clinical Haematology and Medical Oncology. Dr. Awadhesh Pandey (GMCH-32) shared insights on how Hospital-Based Cancer Registries (HBCRs) can be effectively linked to population data to enhance early detection, follow-up, and treatment outcomes. Prof. Radhika Srinivasan (PGIMER) emphasized the importance of standardized reporting, including ICD-O coding and histopathological classification, in ensuring the accuracy and comparability of registry data. Addressing the challenge of high mortality from lung cancer, Dr. Navneet Singh (PGIMER) discussed how registry data can be utilized to monitor tobacco use trends and environmental exposures and non availability of such specific data, and to support the development of lung cancer screening programs. Highlighting the concerns related to liver cancer, Dr. Ajay Duseja (PGIMER) focused on using registry data to identify high-risk populations and develop early detection strategies. Dr. Usha Singh (PGIMER) spoke about integrating the Retinoblastoma Registry within broader cancer and NCD registry frameworks to aid national planning, standardize treatment, and ensure long-term survivor follow-up. On the aspect of data management, Dr. Pankaj Arora (PGIMER) elaborated on the need to strengthen medical records and accelerate digitalization processes to support population-based registries and the accreditation of the institutions for data management standardizations. Finally, Dr. Sukhpal Kaur (NINE, PGIMER) underlined the critical role of nursing professionals in cancer registration and advocated for the inclusion of cancer registry concepts within nursing education and clinical training.

The second panel discussion on “Strengthening of NCD Registries for NCD Prevention and Control “Chaired by Prof. Dheeraj Khurana and moderated by Prof. JS Thakur, this panel explored the integration of NCD registries for comprehensive disease monitoring and policy formulation. Dr. Vivek Kumar (PGIMER) emphasized how registries can support early identification of vulnerable patients such as diabetics and hypertensives, while also discussing operational challenges in maintaining longitudinal follow-up data for CKD cases. Dr. Ashutosh N. Aggarwal (PGIMER) drew attention to the underreporting of chronic respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma, and discussed the feasibility of their inclusion in registries along with the integration of spirometry and environmental exposure data. Prof. Sanjay K. Bhadada (PGIMER) shared valuable experience from the Young Diabetes Registry program and discussed which indicators—such as diagnosis, HbA1c trends, complications, or treatment adherence—should be prioritized in diabetes registries. Dr. O. P. Saini (Haryana) presented key findings from the NCD STEPs Survey in Haryana and explored the potential for including the Chandigarh NCD Registry in the state’s surveillance framework. Dr Nidhi Sharma, State Program Officer, Chandigarh  highlighted the importance of Chandigarh NCD Registry in strengthening of NP-NCD in Chandigarh. Dr. Nandita Kakkar (PGIMER) addressed the rising incidence of breast cancer—now the leading cancer among women in Chandigarh—and emphasized the role of screening and early detection in achieving cancer downstaging and improved outcomes. The panel collectively underscored that the success of NCD registries lies in multidisciplinary collaboration, digital integration, and sustained efforts in early detection, surveillance, and preventive care.

The program witnessed active participation from faculty members, researchers, students, and public health professionals, reaffirming the collective commitment toward strengthening NCD surveillance, enhancing cancer control, and promoting breast cancer awareness.

Chandigarh, October 11:

As the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji approaches, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains has made an impassioned plea to the Central Railways Ministry to substantially boost in rail services to the holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib to facilitate seamless travel for millions of devotees converging to pay homage to the 9th Guru and his devoted disciples Bhai Mati Das ji, Bhai Sati Das ji and Bhai Dayala ji’s  supreme sacrifice.

In a letter written to Railways Minister Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State (MoS) Sh. Ravneet Singh Bittu, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the anticipated arrival of over 1 crore devotees in Sri Anandpur Sahib for the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. S. Bains has demanded the doubling of Vande Bharat Express services from New Delhi between November 15 and 30, 2025. He also urged the operation of special pilgrim trains from major spiritual centres across country, including Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded (Maharashtra), Sri Amritsar Sahib and other major cities, to facilitate seamless travel for devotees attending the grand events scheduled from November 22 to 25, 2025 at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Highlighting the religious significance and sacred history of Sri Anandpur Sahib, the Education Minister noted that the city was founded by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, served as the sanctuary where Kashmiri Pandits facing religious persecution, sought refuge and protection. From the very soil of Sri Anandpur Sahib the Guru Sahib embarked on his final journey to martyrdom in Delhi for the cause of humanity and freedom of conscience. Later, His sacred “Sees” was reverently brought back to Sri Anandpur Sahib by Bhai Jaita Ji (Baba Jiwan Singh Ji) and cremated here making this soil a living testimony to one of the most revered chapters in the world history.

“This holy land is a living testament to a sacrifice that defines the conscience of India. It is our sacred duty to ensure that every devotee wishing to pay obeisance during this historic anniversary can do so without any hardship,” stated S. Bains.

S. Harjot Singh Bains hailed the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a momentous occasion to honour the Guru’s unparalleled sacrifice for religious freedom and human dignity, while noting that one Vande Bharat Express currently connects Delhi to Amb Andaura via Sri Anandpur Sahib. He stressed the need to augment rail services for the Sangat on this historic occasion.

This initiative is not just about logistics, S. Bains added while stating,”By facilitating the journey of pilgrims to the feet of the Guru who gave his life for the rights of all faiths, we honour an act of supreme moral courage that continues to be the bedrock of our pluralistic nation.”

HANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 11:

          In an intelligence led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a cross-border weapon smuggling module with links to Pakistan with the  arrest of its three operatives and recovered eight sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Mahesh alias Ashu Masih and Angrej Singh, both residents of village Marhi Megha in Tarn Taran; and Arshdeep Singh, a resident of Bhikhiwind in Tarn Taran. The recovered weapons include three 9MM pistols and five .30 bore pistols along with magazines. Apart from this, police team have also impounded their Hero Splendor Motorcycle, being used for transporting the consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested accused persons were acting upon the directions of Pakistan-based arms smuggler, who has been using drones to drop the contrabands from across the border. The arrested accused were supplying the arms and ammunition to criminals and gangsters in Punjab with the intention to fuel criminal activities in the state, he said.

          Sharing operation details, he said that CI Amritsar had received a specific intelligence about the retrieval a huge consignment of illegal weapons from Indo-Pak border, which was delivered from across the border with the help of drones in the area of village Marhi Kamboke, PS Khalra, Distt. Tarn Taran. Acting swiftly, police team of CI Amritsar intercepted three suspects near village Bhoose in Amritsar Rural, and recovered the consignment of illegal weapons, which they were going to deliver to the next party in the area near Gharinda in Amritsar, he said.

          The DGP said that the arrested accused persons— Mahesh alias Ashu Masih and Angrej Singh— were also wanted in previous cases registered under Arms Act at Police Station SSOC Amritsar, in which 5 pistols were earlier recovered. Further investigation is underway to establish backward and forward linkages in this case to expose and dismantle the entire network, he added.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 59 dated 11-10-2025 has been registered under sections 25, 25(1)(a) and 25(1)(b) of the Arms Act and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.

Chandigarh, October 11:

Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is giving top priority to strengthening public infrastructure for providing improved public services and for  ensuring that all ongoing projects are completed within stipulated timelines with high-quality standards and complete transparency in fund utilization.

The PWD Minister reviewed the progress of major building projects being undertaken by PWD for  various government departments across the state. The projects, amounting to Rs.2097.03 crore, are currently at different stages of construction, with Rs.915.55 crore already released to executing agencies, he added.

Sharing more details, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO informed that a total of 211 buildings are being constructed under the supervision of the Public Works Department. The Higher Education Department leads with 35 projects worth Rs.477.13 crore, followed by Medical Works with 39 buildings amounting to Rs.565.87 crore and the Revenue Department with 32 structures worth Rs.237.76 crore. The Minister was also  informed that the planning & designing of these buildings was being done by Architectural Department

Sharing more details he informed that the department was executing 13  School Education projects valued at Rs.119.37 crore, while 11 buildings of the Department of Technical Education costing Rs.52.33 crore are under execution. Further PWD is also developing  Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department a project worth Rs.84.13 crore and Sports Department’s 16 building projects are being built with an allocation of Rs.110.66 crore.

Besides this, for providing better public services two projects worth Rs.83.92 crore of  the Home Affairs Administrative Department are in progress. Highlighting other initiatives, the PWD Minister mentioned that five projects  of Indra Kumar Gujral PTU costing Rs.56.82 crore, 12 SIPDA project works worth Rs.33.43 crore and other 45miscellaneous buildings works of  various departments totalling Rs.275.61 crore are in progress.

The PWD Minister directed officials to accelerate the pace of construction and ensure time-bound completion of all works under execution.

Chandigarh:

The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has taken suo moto notice in the suicide case of Haryana’s ADGP Y Puran Kumar in Chandigarh and has sought a report from the Director General of Police Chandigarh.

Giving information in this regard, Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Sardar Jasvir Singh Garhi said that this matter has come to his notice through the media, on which he has taken action, he has instructed the Director General of Police Chandigarh to submit a report regarding this matter and the action taken so far on the suicide note of the deceased officer and the complaint given by his wife Amneet Kaur, through an ADGP level officer, to the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission on 13 October 2025.

 Along with this, Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi will also visit the victim’s family’s house on Monday, October 13, 2025.

Chandigarh: Under the ongoing Seva Pakhwada initiative launched to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chandigarh organized a grand felicitation ceremony at the Party’s state headquarters, Kamlam, Sector 33, Chandigarh, to honour distinguished citizens of the city. State President Jatinder Pal Malhotra and Chandigarh Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla graced the occasion as the Chief Guests.

The event witnessed the presence of state office bearers, district functionaries, senior party workers, and numerous dignitaries.

During the ceremony, 50 distinguished personalities from Chandigarh were honoured for their remarkable contributions in various fields such as social service, education, sports, and healthcare.

Among those honoured were Dr. Sucheta Sachdev from the Department of Blood Transfusion, PGI Chandigarh, Dr. Simarjeet Kaur Gill, Head of the Department of Blood Transfusion, Sector 16 Hospital, Prof. Dr. Ravneet Kaur from the Department of Transfusion Medicine, Sector 32, Dr. Shikha Sharda, Dr. Nisha Singla, and from the field of education Mrs. Deepika, Mrs. Sukhbir Kaur, Riddhi Srivastava, Bhajanlal Manju, and Manpreet Kaur, who have all set exemplary standards through their dedication and service to society.

All the distinguished personalities were felicitated with shawls and certificates of appreciation by BJP Chandigarh.

Addressing the gathering, State President Jatinder Pal Malhotra said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is not merely a political organization but a family committed to the spirit of service and nation-building. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life stands as a symbol of dedication and public service, and the Seva Pakhwada reflects his vision of extending the message of service to every section of society.

Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, in her address, said that honouring such individuals is truly inspiring, as they have contributed selflessly to the betterment of society through their respective fields. She emphasized that BJP has always placed service and social welfare at the forefront of its mission.

Seva Pakhwada Coordinator Sanjeev Kumar Rana and Special Guest Felicitation Coordinator Ravi Rawat expressed their gratitude to all attendees for making the event successful and stated that such initiatives spread positivity and inspire collective responsibility in society.

The event concluded with wishes for the long life and continued service of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the nation’s progress.

CHANDIGARH, October 11:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 224th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 325 locations on Saturday leading to the arrest of 94 drug smugglers after registration of 65 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 32,683 in 224 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 2.8 kg heroin, 2.9 kg ICE, 24.2 kg opium, 293 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 1.22 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 71 gazetted officers have conducted 325 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 336 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          The state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 37 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, October 8, 2025 – Haryana Governor-cum-President of the Haryana State Council for Child Welfare Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh on Wednesday said that children’s holistic well-being must be ensured by shaping their health, nutrition, education, protection and emotional development. Women’s empowerment and child welfare are deeply intertwined. When mothers are empowered, educated and safe, the welfare of children is also ensured, he said.

Governor Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh on Wednesday chaired a review meeting of the Haryana State Council for Child Welfare (HSCCW) at Raj Bhavan. The Governor’s Secretary Shri Dusmant Kumar Behera conducted the proceedings of the meeting while sharing his thoughts and inputs.

The Governor stated that robust monitoring, district coordination and transparent governance are essential to strengthen institutional systems. The Council also calls for greater involvement of communities, youth, NGOs and local administration in its outreach and preventive work. Furthermore, early interventions, especially for vulnerable children and those in need of care and protection must be prioritized, he said.

Governor Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh noted that the Council has expanded its reach in recent years through programmes such as adoption, shelter homes, coaching and Bal Bhavans. It impacts the lives of a large number of children in Haryana every year. This is a responsibility we must shoulder with constant vigilance, innovation, and compassion, he said, urging officials to develop short-term action plans, strengthen training, closely monitor results and always keep the best interests of children as a guiding principle.

Haryana’s future depends on the health, well-being and education of children: Smt Mitra Ghosh

Smt Mitra Ghosh, Lady Governor and Vice President of the HSCCW stated that the Council has played a commendable role in ensuring the safety, education and overall well-being of children across the state. She urged the Council to reach out to the most vulnerable sections of society and uplift them. She urged the Council to work on a mission to ensure a brighter and more inclusive future for every child in the state. Haryana’s future depends on the health, well-being and education of its children, said Smt Ghosh.

The Council is successfully implementing programs not only for children but also for youth and women: Smt Suman Saini

Smt Suman Saini, Vice President of the Haryana State Council for Child Welfare, said that the Council is successfully implementing several meaningful and well-planned programmes not only for children but also for youth and women. In particular, the adoption process is being conducted in a highly systematic, transparent and compliant manner, she said.

Smt Saini said that the HSCCW is a government-recognized organization that facilitates the adoption of children both domestically and internationally. To date, the Council has adopted a total of 704 children including 528 within the country and 176 abroad.

She stated that the Council’s establishment of the Laghu Baal Bhavan in Narayangarh block of Ambala district is a commendable initiative.

Within a short period of time, approximately 600 children have enrolled in various training centers at this institution, a testament to the Council’s effective functioning. The Council will continue to strive for the holistic development of children and youth with the same commitment and dedication in the future, she said.

Earlier, Smt Sushma Gupta, General Secretary, HSCCW, delivered the welcome speech. Smt Saroj Bala, Treasurer, proposed the vote of thanks. The meeting was attended by senior officers of HSCCW including Child Welfare Officers and Divisional Welfare Officers, and of the Raj Bhavan.