Gutka Consumption Amongst Hospital Employees

Since long I have been thinking about writing on social issues especially in Pakistan. The first issue that strikes my mind is the consumption of gutka and paan by the people of Pakistan. I know many people have already written and talked about it ,but as a doctor I have personally witnessed the use of gutka even within hospital premises, it is disheartening to see hospital employees specially male staff indulging in such harmful habits while performing their duties in critical areas such as ICU, casualty nursery, paediatric ward and so on. 

According to WHO, tobacco is the single most preventable cause of death in the world. It is estimated that 5.4 million deaths occur every year due to its use.  

Although the Government Of Sindh in 2011 had imposed a ban on gutka, the implementation of this ban seems to be non existent I urge the government authorities to take strict action and enforce penalties on doctors and hospital employees as well as employees in other offices who consume gutka, paan or cigarettes during duty or office hours.

It is necessary to address this issue and create a healthier and more professional work environment. As a child specialist I have noticed that children often imitate their parents and start using gutka after seeing them do so.

Conclusion: The Government of Pakistan should develop a strategy and implement rules, especially in hospital to prevent the use of gutka and paan and cigarettes during duty hours. If anyone disobey these rules, appropriate actions should be taken. Moreover, surprise visits by the health department should be conducted to ensure compliance and strict actions should be taken against hospital administration and employees who are found using these substances. Additionally, patients who are using gutka or other tobacco products should not be allowed in hospitals.

As we all know the literacy rate in Pakistan is low and to combat this issue, spreading awareness is crucial. In today’s age , social media has become a powerful platform. Therefore the government of Pakistan should enforce regulations on TV media to display these awareness messages particularly during breaks in dramas.