SHEIKHUPURA, Jan 9: Scores of quacks are practicing in every corner of the district due to the negligence of the local health authorities.

Those with little understanding and spending power often fall a victim to the treatment the incompetent people can offer. Most of the time the only cure to every disease they have got is using injections without going into its repercussions.

A survey conducted by journalists on Wednesday revealed the practitioners had set up their clinics in every city, especially in remote areas.

The malpractice compounded with apathy of the officials concerned have added to the woes of poor patients.

In Syedwala, a town with 30,000 people, there are only three MBBS doctors. A doctor posted at a basic health unit visits the hospital twice a week.

The number of quacks in the town exceeds 50. The poor patients are compelled to seek their advice at comparatively low fees.

The quacks and hakims are minting money only for worsening the cases. The situation in Ferozewatwan, Bhekhi, Khurianwala, Kot Pindi Das, Jhabran Mandi, Dhamke, Miranpur, Attari and several other places, is not different.

The local DHO officials have never bothered to take stock of the situation and fight the menace. They allegedly connive at the practices after taking bribe.

For quite a few, the practice proved fatal. A 55-year-old woman expired after she was given injection in Khanpur village.

In another incident which took place in Dhamkey village on the Jaranwala Road, inept treatment by quacks resulted in the death of a labourer. The incident was brought into the notice of the higher-ups but they remained indifferent.

DEPRIVED: A Farooqabad-based trader was deprived of Rs125,000 by pick-pockets on Wednesday.