The National Poisons Information Center ( NPIC) which observes National Poisons Prevention Week from October 17-23, has launched several programs to highlight recently developed innovative strategies to minimize poisoning in the island.
Poisoning is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in the country.
Director General Health Services, Ministry of Health, Dr P.G. Mahipala has instructed all regional and provincial directors of health and heads of all institutes to raise awareness among medical professionals and the general public on the management and prevention of poisoning through information technology. “Using social media in preventing poison has great potential in reducing healthcare costs and improving outcomes. The advanced capability of this technology facilitates extremely efficient collaboration and access to correct, consistent, effective information”, he has informed hospital heads and institutes in a circular.
Currently, 226 state hospitals are registered with TOXBASE ( Lanka) the first website on poisons prevention and management in South East Asia. Launched in January this year, the website has been exclusively designed for medical professionals, and allows them to visit it with their password for information relating to prevention of common poisons and other related information on toxicology. “ The TOXBASE website which can be accessed through the internet at any time, by healthcare professionals and the general public will help reduce morbidity and mortality due to poisoning in Sri Lanka”, Dr Mahipala said.
NPIC head, Dr Waruna Gunathileke said, to raise public awareness, the Center has prepared web based educational packages targeting specific groups- mothers of childbearing ages, schoolchildren and the farming community, as well as, video clips to promote the TOXBASE website . “ We are also conducting a hands on experience workshop to familiarise website use among medical professionals”, he added.
For more information contact the NPIC on 2685143 / 2691111