The current state of poison control center in Pakistan and the need of capacity building
Location
Auditorium Pond Side
Start Date
26-2-2014 10:30 AM
Abstract
Context Poison control center plays a leading role both in developed and developing countries in the prevention and control of poisonous exposure. In a developing country, the poison control center may be the only source of information and advice on toxic chemicals because of unavailability of resources such as occupational, food and drug regulatory bodies. Objective In this study, we aim to assess the current state of poison control centers of Pakistan and to highlight gaps in their capacity building needs. Methods Cross-sectional survey of two poison control centers was done during August – December 2011 with the help of standardized tool. Results Both poison control centers were affiliated with tertiary care hospital involved in undergraduate and post graduate teaching. Clinical services were available 24/ 7. Information on common local product was available to poison center staff. Common antidotes were available. Telephonic poison information service to the public was currently not available. There was a limited capacity for qualitative and analytical toxicology. There were limited surveillance activities to capture toxic risk existing in the community and also deficiency was observed in chemical disaster planning. Conclusion Poison control centers in Pakistan need capacity building for specialized training in toxicology.
Keywords: toxicology, Emergency, Karachi, Pakistan
The current state of poison control center in Pakistan and the need of capacity building
Auditorium Pond Side
Context Poison control center plays a leading role both in developed and developing countries in the prevention and control of poisonous exposure. In a developing country, the poison control center may be the only source of information and advice on toxic chemicals because of unavailability of resources such as occupational, food and drug regulatory bodies. Objective In this study, we aim to assess the current state of poison control centers of Pakistan and to highlight gaps in their capacity building needs. Methods Cross-sectional survey of two poison control centers was done during August – December 2011 with the help of standardized tool. Results Both poison control centers were affiliated with tertiary care hospital involved in undergraduate and post graduate teaching. Clinical services were available 24/ 7. Information on common local product was available to poison center staff. Common antidotes were available. Telephonic poison information service to the public was currently not available. There was a limited capacity for qualitative and analytical toxicology. There were limited surveillance activities to capture toxic risk existing in the community and also deficiency was observed in chemical disaster planning. Conclusion Poison control centers in Pakistan need capacity building for specialized training in toxicology.
Keywords: toxicology, Emergency, Karachi, Pakistan