North Bengal Med College to set up Poison Information Centre

Sanchita Aich Bag, MP, 13 Dec 2024, Siliguri: The North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) is to set up a Poison Information Centre (PIC) in the hospital premises. Recently, the Union Health Ministry has given approval to 50 medical colleges across India. 

NBMCH and Kolkata Medical College from Bengal are on the list. The Poison Information Centre will play a vital role in addressing life-threatening conditions caused by various poisons, particularly snake bites. 

Experts highlight that many patients suffering from snake bites arrive at hospitals too late due to superstitions and a lack of awareness, leading to preventable deaths. The centre aims to educate the public, particularly in rural areas and conduct research to develop antidotes and other essential medicines. 

As part of the project, a state-of-the-art laboratory will be set up at NBMCH with advanced technology and resources. 

“We have been working to spread awareness and save lives from snake venom poisoning. However, the lack of infrastructure has posed a challenge. This project will provide the necessary tools and resources and we hope to appoint more researchers to advance our efforts,” said Dr. Rajiv Prasad, Head of the Forensic Medicine department of NBMCH. According to the Health department, North Bengal reports 250 to 300 poisoning cases monthly, with 25 per cent to 30 per cent of them caused by snake bites. 

The region’s dependence on agriculture and proximity to forested areas makes it particularly vulnerable. Along with the centre, awareness campaigns will target rural areas, which account for approximately 70 per cent of poisoning cases in North Bengal. 

These campaigns will educate communities about the dangers of superstitions and promote timely medical intervention. NBMCH, being one of the largest hospitals in the region, is expected to play a pivotal role in the initiative. Researchers and senior doctors will be there at the center. Researchers will conduct research on various poisons. The junior doctors will be given routine classes by the experts and senior doctors on the treatment of poison management. 

Courtesy & source- Millennium Post

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/state-to-issue-unique-id-cards-to-awas-yojana-beneficiaries-590620?infinitescroll=1