KARACHI, Aug 11: Sindh Health Minister Dr Saghir Ahmed on Monday announced that a campaign would soon be launched across the province against the manufacturing and sale of pan, gutka, chhalia, manpuri, smoking and other such products, observing that these things were injurious to health and responsible for causing fatal diseases like cancer.

Speaking as chief guest at a function held under the auspices of the Pakistan Cancer Patients Welfare Society to acknowledge the services of donors in the establishment of a cancer ward at the Civil Hospital, the minister said that stern action would be taken against the manufacturers and sellers of such items.

He said that a comprehensive awareness programme would also be launched to educate masses about the risks associated with the consumption of such products.

The minister appreciated the role of the PCPWS, philanthropists and all those who have rendered their valuable services towards the establishment of the cancer ward.

He said it was because of their selfless services that people were now getting the most expensive cancer treatment facilities at the Civil Hospital easily and free of cost.

“The Civil Hospital Karachi is the first public sector hospital where cancer patients are being provided free of cost treatment,” he noted, adding that it was made possible due to the cancer patients’ welfare society’s cooperation.

Dr Saghir said that he would make a formal request to Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad for the release of Rs1 million donation he had promised on the occasion of the ward’s inauguration.

The minister also noted that there was a dire need for the availability of a radio therapy machine for the cancer ward, and said that he would talk to some philanthropists in this regard.

He was informed that some 40,000 cancer patients had already been provided treatment and consultation in this ward since its opening while 4,000 patients had been provided chemotherapy and 11,000 availed the treatment facility during their admission period.

Meanwhile, a laboratory for the medical examination of the patients coming to the Civil Hospital has been established at the hospital’s casualty ward.

The tests would be conducted free of cost.—Agencies