KARACHI, April 14: The City District Government Karachi has decided to take stern action against medical employees who are irregular or not serious towards their assignments.

A source attending a meeting of medical superintendents of CDGK hospitals and town health officers, presided over by City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal, on Saturday, said the authorities had taken serious notice of prolonged absence of medical staff from various health care centres and dispensaries, including those located in suburban areas.

The meeting was told that city government controlled the management of 271 hospitals and dispensaries, including 13 big hospitals with 1,843 beds, where more than 5,000 employees were employed. Absenteeism and casual approach of doctors, paramedical and managerial staff had made many of the facilities inefficient.

Asking the health officials to prepare a list of such employees, the city nazim warned that the services of irregular or ghost employees would be terminated. He said the city government pays Rs 150 million monthly to the employees, therefore it is their duty to be regular and serve the citizens.

He said that increase in hepatitis cases was a cause of concern and a complete ban would be imposed on reuse of injections, syringes in all city government hospitals and dispensaries. He also ordered a drive against adulteration.

The EDO Health Dr A.D. Sajnani apprised the meeting that over 5,000 cases were pending in courts against adulteration.