Use of Gutka, Mainpuri, Naswar, Paan despite being life threatening is on rise in city. A considerable number of youth including children has become victims of consuming these harmful things which are available in markets sans any restrictions.
Hundreds of new cases of throat and oral cancer are being reported daily at Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK). An ENT specialist, Dr Pervaiz Sheikh, at CHK, said: "Majority of the people belong to unprivileged areas such as Lyari, Korangi, Orangi, Liaquatabad and from Interior Sindh, ie Thatta, Kharo and Badin" etc.
"An addiction of chewing tobaccos - Gutka, Pan, Betel nuts, Mainpuri, Naswar, cigarette, etc has dragged them towards mouth ulcer, cheek and lips cancer" diseases. He also informed that a large number of females had similar health issues and facing severe oral problems. "They are also addicted to chewing tobaccos." A 46-year-old Aslam, who works at CHK, said that he had been consuming this toxic tobacco for over one and a half decades and he was unable to quit this habit, despite multiple attempts. Gutka and tobacco are not only hazardous to health but also create environmental issues. School going children are being provided chewing Gutka with no fear of apprehension.
When asked, one of Gutka sellers instead of realising his wrongdoing argued that he had no option but to sell toxic tobaccos to run his kitchen". Diagnosed with throat cancer, 45-year-old Abdullah expressed his feeling and said: "I used to satisfy myself with gutka. If I knew it would lead me to this path I would not even touch it. As doctors suggested cutting out part of my jaw, gums and teeth to stop cancer." Knowing the hazardous impact about Gutka and tobacco habits, majority of consumers are not reluctant to quit this habit.