Tobacco chews banned at hospitals

Caretaker Sindh Minister for Health imposed a ban on the consumption of paan, gutka, mainpuri, and cigarettes

KARACHI:

The nauseating sight of red splashes of chewed pan, gutka, and mainpuri at government offices is nothing new.

However, the caretaker government in its brief sting of power has taken it upon itself to ban the tobacco chews at government buildings, particularly the hospitals.

Caretaker Sindh Minister for Health Dr Saad Niaz Khalid has imposed a ban on the consumption of paan, gutka, mainpuri, and cigarettes for government office and hospital staff during their duty hours, falling under the jurisdiction of the Sindh Health Department.

The directive, conveyed through an official written order, emphasises that stringent measures will be enforced against personnel found in breach of these regulations. The minister expressed strong dissatisfaction regarding the use of paan, gutka, mainpuri, and cigarettes within the premises of government offices and hospitals under the health department.

Acting upon his concerns, he instructed the Sindh Health Department Director General Dr Irshad Memon to initiate a ban on these substances within all offices.

Dr Irshad has issued written orders to all relevant institutions, emphasising the strict implementation of the ban. Those found in violation of these directives will face rigorous disciplinary actions.