KARACHI, May 31: The Pakistan Medical Association, Karachi chapter, on the eve of World No-Tobacco Day has urged the authorities concerned to take meaningful measures for stringent implementation of Prohibition of Smoking Ordinance 2002.

PMA Karachi General Secretary Dr Qaiser Sajjad said that the ordinance passed on Oct 15, 2002 seeking ban on smoking at public places, public transport besides provision for ban on cigarettes advertisements must be enforced in actual letter and spirit.

Lamenting indifference of the medical community itself towards the law, he observed with deep regret that presently doctors and paramedical staff could be witnessed smoking, eating pan, chalia and gutka during duty hours at almost every hospital and healthcare facility. This was particularly witnessed in public sector hospitals where no distinction was found to be made by the smoking and pan chewing staffers between closed door wards and open space.

He appealed to the people in general and medical professionals in particular that they in their individual capacities should help government to develop an atmosphere where the extremely beneficial law helpful to masses was strictly implemented.

Dr Qaiser Sajjad in an open letter to the health secretary also attempted to draw his attention towards the sever repercussion on public health of cigarette smoking, pan and chalia chewing.—APP