KARACHI, Feb 12: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Karachi chapter has demanded a ban on smoking, pan, betel nuts and gutkas in government hospitals and offices.In a letter written to Sindh Health Secretary Prof Naushad A. Shaikh, the PMA requested implementation of the Prohibition of Smoking Ordinance 2002 in letter and spirit.

It said use of tobbaco in all forms caused serious health problems like carcinoma and sub-mucous fibrosis. It said it was alarming that apart from patients and their attendants, doctors and paramedics were also seen smoking during duty hours.

The honorary general secretary of the PMA Karachi, Dr SM Qaisar Sajjad, said that a Prohibition of Smoking Ordinance was passed in 2002 to ban smoking at public places, public transport as well as advertisement of cigarettes, but implementation of this ordinance was still awaited.

In this regard, medical superintendents/directors/in-charges of hospital/clinics and offices can play a pivotal role to get this law implemented, the PMA said.—PPI