Posted by : Admin|Date : 27 Mar, 2026|Location : Karamsad

PSMC & SKH Establishes Gujarat’s First 24×7 Poison Information Center

Pramukhswami Medical College & Shree Krishna Hospital has become the first tertiary care institution in Gujarat to operationalize a 24×7 Poison Information Center (PIC). The center was inaugurated on 27th March, 2026, marking a pioneering initiative across both government and private medical colleges in the state.

The center is operated by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT), which functions as the nodal unit for poison surveillance, clinical guidance, and emergency response. It provides real-time consultation and standardized treatment protocols for healthcare professionals, government health functionaries, hospitals, and the general public, supporting evidence-based guidance and enhancing the prevention of poisoning cases, said Dr Swapnil Agrawal Dean of Pramukhswami Medical College.

The PIC has been established in collaboration with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and is supported by TOXBASE under the National Health Service (NHS), UK, enabling access to evidence-based toxicology resources (data)for accurate diagnosis and management.

The center offers free, 24×7 guidance via a toll-free helpline(1800-233-0232) for healthcare professionals, government health functionaries, hospitals, and the general public in the Charotar region. It provides advice on first aid,  risk assessment, decontamination, and appropriate referral for poisoning cases.

Over the past year, Shree Krishna Hospital has managed approximately 300 poisoning cases, largely related to agricultural exposures such as pesticides, aluminium phosphide (Celphos), and rodenticides, along with household chemicals, drug overdoses, and occupational hazards.

The FMT department ensures a structured approach—from early identification and immediate first-response measures to advanced treatment guidance—and extends support to peripheral and nearby healthcare centers, ensuring consistent care across the region, said Dr. Arijit Datta, Professor and Head of FMT, emphasising timely intervention and continuous monitoring of poisoning trends for improved outcomes.

The Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Shree Krishna Hospital plays a critical role in regional poison management. It provides 24/7 guidance for poisoning-related emergencies, including immediate first-aid measures such as decontamination (e.g., washing/showering in cases of dermal pesticide exposure) and prompt referral to the nearest emergency facility. The department also offers case-specific management advice for various toxic exposures, including pesticide ingestion, household chemicals such as phenyl or mosquito repellents (e.g., liquid vaporizers), and inappropriate medication use. In addition, it supports clinicians by delivering evidence-based treatment protocols and extends consultation services to peripheral and nearby healthcare centers to ensure standardised and timely care.

The inauguration was attended by senior dignitaries, including Dr.Vidwansingh Dhruwey (CDHO Kheda), Dr. Amar Pandya (CDMO Anand), Dr. Gill Jackson from NIHR and NHS UK, and Dr. Raul from the University of Edinburgh (online).

The Poison Information Center in Karamsad marks a significant step in strengthening toxicology services, emergency preparedness, and poison surveillance for the Charotar region and beyond.