Quackery is a crime, sin, injustice, and a menace, which is ever increasing in our society by the hour. It is however an immense threat to those who are directly or indirectly concerned to medical profession. No one is paying heed to quackery. Through quackery we are always under risk of being victimized to life threatening diseases. In cities like Karachi, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, one can easily observe various clinics run by dispensers, OT technicians, ward boys and sanitary workers. If they are so expert in treating diseases then one wonders why the government is expanding a major chunk of budget in opening medical colleges and giving training to doctors. More conspicuously, quacks are using names of doctors at front boards by paying them Rs. 6000 to Rs.8000 per month. No doubt, by doing so the doctors are losing their due respect in society. Quacks use one syringe many times over. This is surely the cause of spreading AIDS, hepatitis and other potentially lethal infectious diseases. These criminals are also habitual in doing minor surgeries which ultimately result in the death of patients. Quacks are easily available to poor persons since the doctors fee is unaffordable. According to survey, there are more than 600000 quacks inside the country who are lining their pockets by hoodwinking the poor people. They frequently use steroids and antibiotics which in long run can damage the bones, immune system, kidneys and liver. The government has to come forward and put an end to quackery before it is too late. DR IRFAN ALMANI, Rawalpindi, April 9.