HYDERABAD, Sept 9: The health authorities of the district on Wednesday sealed two 'clinics' of quacks, two medical stores and a pathological laboratory in Matiari taluka for supplying sub- standard medicines and fake investigation reports to patients.

The action was taken during a drive against quacks and ghost employees of health units with a view to provide proper medical facilities to people of rural areas. EDO health Nazar Mohammad Junejo, taluka Mukhtiarkar, drug inspector and medical officers were present on the occasion.

MPA Jalal Mehmood Shah endorsed the action, terming it a timely step to protect people against quacks and sub-standard drugs. The EDO health said a survey conducted by independent agencies reveal that blood samples of 33 per cent people of each district in Sindh except Tharparkar were found contaminated with blood-borne viruses.

He said in Tharparkar the ratio was only 5 per cent. Mr Junejo said it was strange that the district lacking medical facilities had the lowest ratio of infected people. He said indifferent doctors, quacks and barber shops had been identified potential sources of transmitting HIV and Hepatitis viruses.

He said Matiari was the most affected taluka of the district where 16 patients of Hepatitis-B and C had lost their lives. He said the district government was preparing a draft law to bind doctors to get themselves register before they start practice.

Mr Junejo said pharmaceutical companies manufacturing anti- Hepatitis vaccine had been requested to provide vaccines to government hospitals on concession. He said NGOs and the press could play a role in educating people about taking care of themselves and discouraging quacks and other elements responsible for Hepatitis epidemic.