Govt decides to ban mercury-based medical instruments: sources

ISLAMABAD: Taking another revolutionary step in health sector, the government has decided to impose ban on all the medical instruments containing mercury, a toxic metal, said sources.

The sources said that the health ministry on the recommendations of medical expert, has decided to phased out the mercury-based health instruments across the country.

The government will impose the ban gradually and after six month no mercury-based medical equipment will be used in the country.

It is pertinent to mention here that mercury is not only harmful for human health but also affect the environment. All mercury-containing medical equipment will be phased out by with their safe alternatives to protect the people from the devastating health consequences from mercury, said the sources

Mercury is used in dental amalgam, thermometers, blood pressure devices, fixatives, preservatives, lab chemicals, cleaners and other medical products.

The toxic metal can have significant harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune system and on lungs and kidneys, and its excess exposure can be even fatal.

Read More: ‘Sin Tax’ to be imposed on smokers

It is pertinent to mention here that  the government, on December 4, had decided to impose ‘Gunnah Tax’ (Sin Tax) on cigarette smokers across the country.

Sources said the federal government was excogitating over different options as high-level consultation meetings are underway in this regard.

ARY News correspondent Jahangir Khan had said the centre had decided to levy the sin tax on smoking tobacco. “The earning from this tax would be expended on welfare of masses under Prime Minister National Health Programme,” he said.