Poison care unit a neglected ward

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also referred to poisoning as a ‘neglected tropical condition’ and therefore, the unit at the hospital, which serves as a model to other hospitals, as well as a last resort to all those affected by poison, has been working towards ensuring that such cases are not ignored. The unit, that has been in existence for the past 10 years, not only saves a large number of persons bitten by snakes from rural parts of the state, but has also been the last resort for so many youngsters who opt to indulge in self harm. 

“We have had cases of youngsters having consumed rat poison, cow dung powder, rodenticide paste and the like. Saraswati (name changed), a Class 10 student from Thiruvalangadu, was forcefed pesticide by a boy whose proposal she had rejected 31 days ago. With no hope, her parents brought her to the Toxicology unit at RGGGH, and are greatly relieved at how she has recovered now,” said Dr S Raghunanthanan, Chief, Poison Control, Training and Research Centre (PCTRC).

Three young girls of Class 12 from Anakaputhur had attempted suicide by consuming oleander, a plant which is also used as a poison as they were scared to appear for their exams. Following treatment and counselling (against repeating the same) at the unit, they are now almost ready to return home. 

The Toxicology Unit at RGGGH, a unique ward, is also known as the last resort unit for many who have been poisoned or bitten by snakes. While RGGGH is a referral hospital for most districts in the state as well as from other states, the need for doctors and nurses to be trained on how to handle such cases until brought here is essential. “Every year, we conduct a hands-on training programme for staff nurses and assistant doctors. In the past 10 years, we have trained around 8,000 doctors and staff nurses, besides establishing 69 poison centres with support from the state Health project, across the state,” he said.