Caretaker Health Minister of Sindh, Dr. Saad Khalid Niaz, has taken a decisive step by prohibiting the consumption of gutka, mainpuri, and cigarettes during duty hours in the province, as reported by ARY News on Friday.
The caretaker health minister expressed his disapproval over the usage of gutka and cigarettes by health staff within public sector offices and hospital premises.
Employees within the health department have been instructed not to consume gutka, cigarettes, or mainpuri during their duty hours. To ensure clarity and adherence to this directive, Dr. Irshad Memon, Director-General of Health Sindh, has issued written guidelines to the relevant departments.
This action aligns with the recent decision by the Sindh High Court (SHC), which mandated a comprehensive ban on the sale of gutka and mainpuri across the province. The SHC’s directive emerged during the hearing of a petition focused on the prohibition of these harmful products in Sindh.
This firm stance against the use of gutka, mainpuri, and cigarettes during duty hours by the health staff underscores the commitment to fostering a healthier environment within public health facilities and government offices.
