Guj govt launches drive to check unsafe medical practises

Gujarat government has launched a state-wide drive against unsafe medical practises and improper disposal of bio-medical waste, following hepatitis outbreak in Sabarkantha district that has claimed 49 lives so far, Health Department officials said here on Friday.

"A drive is on to check unsafe medical practises and improper disposal of bio-medical waste," health commissioner Amarjeet Singh said.

"This drive is being conducted across the state and district health officials are involved in it," he said, adding that those found violating the norms regarding disposal of bio-medical waste will be booked.

State health minister Jaynarayan Vyas informed the state Assembly that 49 people have died due to Hepatitis-B in Modasa taluka of Sabarkantha.

He added that FIRs have been lodged against 10 doctors for unsafe medical practice and one private clinic has been sealed.

Vyas said that 70,764 people in the Modasa taluka have been vaccinated against the liver disease.

He also proposed an ordinance to bring private medical practitioners in the state under regulatory mechanism, which is likely to be introduced in 10-15 days time.

Meanwhile, the health officials here, cracked down on various scrap dealers in the city yesterday and sealed five godowns from where over 50 tonne of bio-medical waste was recovered.