Caretaker Sindh Health Minister Dr Saad Khalid Niaz on Friday banned the use of gutka, mainpuri and cigarettes during duty hours in the province.

The caretaker Sindh health minister showed his resentment over the use of gutka and cigarettes by the health staff in public sector offices and premises of hospitals.

Employees of the health department are barred from consuming gutka, cigarettes and mainpuri during duty hours. In this context, DG Health Sindh, Dr Irshad Memon has issued guidelines in writing to the concerned departments.

It is pertinent to mention that the Sindh High Court ordered to ensure a complete ban on the sale of Gutka and Mainpuri across the province.

The SHC was hearing a plea related to banning the sale of gutka and mainpuri in the province.