KARACHI, Dec 8: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has said that steps will be taken soon to streamline private hospitals, clinics and pathological laboratories functioning in the province.

He was talking to a delegation of the Pakistan Medical Association at Governor's House on Wednesday. The delegation comprised of PMA Karachi chapter's Honorary President Dr Haseeb Alam, General Secretary Dr Qaiser Sajjad, Dr Aziz Khan Tank, Dr Sirajudaula and Dr Habibur Rehman Soomro.

The governor said that measures were being taken to streamline blood banks and blood transfusion system and a few unregistered blood banks had also been closed. He stressed for assessment to ban gutka, mainpuri, use of harmful colours in other eatables items and said that necessary steps should be taken accordingly.

He also assured to promulgate laws keeping in view decision of the High Court and quality control in this regard. Dr Ibad appraised the delegation about steps taken to control activities affecting environment.

He said that a programme would be implemented by the end of this month regarding noise of auto rickshaws, whereas short and long term strategies were also being considered to overcome problem of garbage burning and dumping.

He said that the government was considering to privatize garbage collection and in the next phase complete system would be stressed for solid waste management. Foreign investors and consortium had expressed their interest in these projects, he added.

The governor also took notice of delay in issuance of weapon's licenses to doctors and directed home ministry for necessary measures in this regard. He assured the delegation that the orders would be implemented within the next couple of days.

He also assured the delegation of taking necessary steps for ensuring provision of approved stipend to the house job doctors in private hospitals as well as easy payment loan facility for opening of clinics. -PPI