The India Post,CHANDIGARH- AUGUST 23, 2008: Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Finance, Govt. of India, New Delhi inaugurated “Dr. Harish Khanna Diagnostic Laboratory” and “Medical & Surgical Laboratory” Dr. H.S.J. Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Sector 25, Chandigarh here today.
He also announced a grant of Rs.10 lacs for Mobile Van, which will cater to the needs of the rural area residents.
The Diagnostic Laboratory for various types of investigations including Biochemical, Haematological and Microbiological has been set up at a cost of Rs.40 lacs. This will benefit the University employees who earlier had to go to private or other labs for getting their tests done. The charges will be at par with the P.G.I.
In his address, Shri Bansal paid glowing tributes to Dr. Harish Khanna and recalled his relentless, hard work, commitment, concern and compassion. Dr. Harish Khanna was the founder Chief Medical Officer of P.U. Health Centre. Dr. Khanna left a lasting impression on everyone who came in his contact.
Shri Bansal thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University for acknowledging the contribution of Dr. Khanna by naming the Diagnostic Laboratory in his name. This will work as an incentive to others to work tirelessly, willingly and smilingly, he added.
He also expressed his happiness that the Institute of Dental Sciences was working for the betterment of rural residents. Oral hygiene and dental care has not been getting the kind of attention it requires. The efforts of the Institute will create awareness and prevention of ailments.
In response to Vice-Chancellor’s desire to have a 100-bed hospital,
Shri Bansal assured of his support.
Earlier, Prof. R.C. Sobti, Vice-Chancellor, P.U. in his welcome address profusely thanked the Hon’ble Minister for his consistent support. He assured the Minister that the University would do its best to serve the society. The Diagnostic Lab. will be further strengthened with latest equipments at a cost of around 50 lacs. He said the University is contemplating having three-tier system of charges in view of the economic conditions of the residents.
Dr. K. Gauba, Director-Principal of the Institute informed that the Institute had completed the admission process of the 3-batch of B.D.S. students and with this the students’ strength of the institute has gone up to 300 with a sanctioned faculty of around 90. At this institute a total of 18 departments (Nine in the Dental specialties and Nine in the Medical specialties) have started functioning with eight clinics and eleven different pre-clinical and para clinical laboratories. An average
of 200-250 patients are being attended to/treated every day at the various specialty clinics for different procedures such as rehabilitation of edentulous cases with complete and partial dentures, crown and bridges work as well as placement of most modern technique of Implants, orthodontic treatment, Restorations, root canal treatment, periodontal therapy and minor surgical procedures, using the most modern, state of the art facilities by the committed & dedicated faculty of the Institute ably supported by the para clinical and other staff.
The Institute also envisages to provide curative oral health treatment facilities at the doorsteps to the masses in the labour colonies where doctors and students will be made to go to such colonies and to the adjoining rural areas with fully equipped Mobile Dental Vans to render the oral health services.
Dr. Gauba said that once the adjoining new clinical block gets furnished with Oral Surgery Clinics and Operation Theatre etc. the Dental Institute would start handling emergency services to take care of the oromaxillofacial trauma cases.
The students presented Saraswati Vandana and Dr. Sarita Prashar presented a vote of thanks.