KARACHI:
The consumption of gutka and mawa is prevalent in many parts of Sindh, including Thatta. Gutka is made of tobacco, betel nut, slaked lime, catechu, and in some cases sweeteners and spices to add flavour and aroma. Mawa is a mixture of thin shavings of betel nut with tobacco flakes and slaked lime. Both damage the membrane of the mouth allowing nicotine into the blood capillaries.
Despite the health risks, gutka and mawa are produced and consumed across Sindh including Thatta. Even though Sindh Assembly has passed many laws prohibiting the production and sale of these substances, the industry continues to thrive. The Sindh police have failed to effectively enforce the ban. A report by the Pakistan Medical Association revealed that the prevalence of oral cancer in Thatta is significantly higher than in other parts of the country due to the high consumption of gutka in the region. Up to 70% of Thatta’s population may be using gutka and mawa.
Between January 2021 and May 2022, more than 1,000 people received treatment for oral cancer from government hospitals in the twin districts of Thatta and Sujawal. In the last few months, an average of four to six people per day have visited different hospitals with the same illness. Cancer is spreading so rapidly in the area that the available facilities for its treatment in government hospitals are falling short, and patients have to wait for several weeks for diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, we urge the Chief Minister of Sindh and the Inspector General of Sindh Police to take strict action against gutka and mawa producers and sellers. A ban needs to be enforced on the sale and production of these products to protect the health of the people of Thatta and other parts of Sindh.
Khair Muhammad
Thatta
Published in The Express Tribune, May 11th, 2023.
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