Chandigarh-31.05.25

PGIMER’s Cardiologist , emphasizes the crucial role of cardiologists in promoting tobacco cessation to prevent cardiovascular diseases on the eve of World No Tobacco Day

On the eve of World No Tobacco Day to be observed tomorrow, 31st May 2025,Prof Rajesh Vijayvergiya, Department of Cardiology at PGIMER,* emphasizes the crucial role of cardiologists in promoting tobacco cessation to prevent cardiovascular diseases. He advocates for integrating cessation support into routine cardiac care and raising awareness about tobacco's heart health risks. His insights highlight the importance of collective efforts on No Tobacco Day to combat tobacco-related heart ailments given as under :

World No Tobacco Day
World No Tobacco Day is dedicated to confronting one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time: tobacco use and its significant impact on cardiovascular health.
2025 WHO Theme: Exposing Industry Tactics
The 2025 World No Tobacco Day campaign, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), is themed: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” This year’s focus is on revealing the deceptive strategies used by the tobacco and nicotine industries to make their products appear attractive, particularly to young people.
The Global Health Burden
Tobacco use remains a major global health issue, accounting for approximately 11.5% of all deaths worldwide (about 6.4 million annually). Notably, smoking contributes to 20% of all cardiovascular-related deaths. Smokers face a 2 to 4 times higher risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to non-smokers. India faces a dual burden of tobacco use in the form of smoking and smokeless tobacco.
Tobacco use is not merely a personal choice; it is a critical public health concern. It imposes emotional and financial strain on families and significantly burdens healthcare systems. While most people associate smoking with lung cancer and respiratory diseases, few recognize that heart disease is among the most common and deadly consequences of tobacco use. Every cigarette elevates blood pressure, injures blood vessels, and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.
Tobacco use is associated with accelerated mortality among adults especially in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is heaviest. More than 1 million adults die each year in India due to tobacco use accounting for 9.5% of overall deaths.
According to the latest data, 38% of Indian men consume tobacco, with usage varying significantly between regions—29% in urban areas and 43% in rural areas. India faces a dual burden of tobacco use, as people consume it in both smoking and smokeless forms. Notably, the prevalence of tobacco use is higher in rural areas than in urban regions.
Overall, 28.6% of the Indian population currently uses tobacco in either smoked or smokeless forms. This includes 42.4% of men and 14.2% of women, highlighting both gender and geographical disparities in tobacco consumption.
Tobacco use, particularly smoking, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A recent study revealed that approximately 56% of men who suffered a myocardial infarction (heart attack) were current smokers. Smoking is associated with an earlier onset of coronary artery disease and a greater severity of the condition. In India, the median age of myocardial infarction is 53 years, significantly younger than the global average of 58.1 years, underscoring the urgent need for targeted tobacco control measures.
The Impact of Passive Smoking
Even passive (second-hand) smoke exposure raises the risk of heart disease by 25-30% and stroke by 20-30%. In non-smokers, second-hand smoke can cause coronary heart disease, stroke, l…
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PGIMER Annual Sports Meet Showcases Talent in E-FIFA, Swimming, and Javelin Throw

The Gladius4 Annual Sports Meet at PGIMER was a resounding success, with participants showcasing their talents in various sports including FIFA, swimming, and javelin throw. The event brought together medical professionals from different specialties to compete and show off their athletic abilities.

In the table tennis finals, Dr. Prachi, Neurosurgery took home the gold medal in the women's category, followed by Dr. Shambhavi from Pathology in second place and Dr. Richa from Internal Medicine in third place.

In the men's javelin throw, Dr. Pawan from Orthopedics clinched the gold medal, with Dr. Shan, Orthopedics taking silver and Dr. Raj from Pediatrics earning bronze. In the women's javelin throw, Dr. Shivangi, General Surgery emerged victorious, followed by Dr. Sahitya, Anesthesia in second place and Dr. Neha from Dental in third place.

The FIFA E competition saw fierce competition, with Dr. Rishab from Medicine, Dr. Sidhant from Cardiology, and Dr. Arghadip from Cardiology among the round 1 winners.

In swimming, Dr. Shinjini, Anesthesia dominated the women's events, winning gold in both the 25m freestyle and 25m backstroke. In the men's events, Dr. Sumit, Pediatrics took home gold in the 25m freestyle and backstroke, while Dr. Avichal from DM SR Nephrology excelled in the 25m breaststroke and butterfly. The 50m freestyle saw Dr. Sanchit from JR Pediatrics clinch the gold medal.

The Gladius4 Annual Sports Meet was a testament to the talent and competitive spirit of the medical professionals at PGIMER. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for a thrilling and successful event.

========================================

Prof. RK Ratho, Dean(Academics), PGIMER honored 10 officers/officials on their superannuation today

CHANDIGARH, 31.05.25-Prof. RK Ratho, Dean(Academics), PGIMER Honoured 10 officers/officials on their superannuation today by giving speech & presenting mementos to them. Prof. Ashok Kumar, Acting Medical Superintendent, Prof. Paramjeet Singh, Head, Deptt. of Radiodiagnosis & Imaging .Prof. S. S. Pandav, Head, Deptt. of Ophthalmology, Prof. R. K. Kanojia, Deptt. of Orthopaedics Prof. Rajesh Chhabra, Deptt. of Neurosurgery-cum-Hostel Warden, MDH, Mrs. Jaspal Kaur, Chief Nursing Officer and Sh. Ravi Dutt Sharma, Sr. Sanitation Officer were also present on the occasion.

Sh. Rawinder Singh, IA&AS, Financial Advisor-distributed the financial payment letters to the beneficiaries.

Smt. Monica, Asstt. Nursing Superintendent, Radiodiagnosis & Imaging Deptt; Smt. Kansi George, Senior Nursing Officer, Nursing Emergency Ward-4; Smt. Nirmal Jit Kaur, Sr. Nursing Officer, Pvt. Ward, Nehru Hospital Extension; Sh. Shriman Singh, Jr. Store Officer, Married Doctor Hostel; Sh. Anil Kumar, Stenographer, Radiodiagnosis & Imaging Deptt.; Sh. Naresh Kumar, Dark Room Assistant, Gr. III, Radiodiagnosis & Imaging Deptt.; Sh. Kundan Lal, Hospital Attendant, Gr.I, Nursing Cell,; Sh.Jaswant Singh, Hospital Attendant, Orthopaedics Department,; Sh. Subhash Chand, Hospital Attendant, Gr. II, Advanced Eye Centre; Sh. Ramesh Kumar, Sanitary Attendant, Gr.I,Sanitation Department, retired from PGIMER after devoting 30 to 33 years of their lives to PGI.

=========================================

2nd PGI Arthroplasty Course 2025 kicked off at NINE Auditorium, PGIMER*

CHANDIGARH, 31.05.25-The 2nd PGI Arthroplasty Course, under the aegis of the Arthroplasty Society of Tricity, commenced today at PGIMER, Chandigarh, with an overwhelming response from orthopedic surgeons across the country. With the theme “Simplifying the Complexity”, the course promises to deliver high-value insights into complex hip and knee arthroplasty.

The inaugural session featured a warm welcome by Prof Vijay G Goni, Head of Department of Orthopaedic surgery, Organising chairman and General secretary of Arthroplasty Society of Tricity, followed by lighting of the lamp by all the eminent faculties and an overview of the course objectives. Esteemed dignitaries highlighted the critical need for evidence-based, practical training in joint replacement surgeries.

As the first day concludes on a high note, participants look forward to Day 2, which will center on hip arthroplasty, abstract presentations, and hands-on workshops covering robotics, navigation, and saw bone techniques.

The 2nd PGI Arthroplasty Course continues to establish itself as a premier academic platform driving excellence in joint replacement surgery in India.