Symposium on poisoning highlights holistic approach from bedside to beyond

Imran Zakir

KARACHI: A comprehensive symposium on poisoning, titled “Holistic Approach from Bedside to Beyond,” was organized by Ward 5 of the National Poisoning Center in collaboration with the Pakistan Society of Physicians on Thursday. The event was held at Najamuddin Auditorium, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi.
Addressing the participants as keynote speaker, Police Surgeon Karachi, Dr. Sumayya Syed, elaborated on the medico-legal aspects of poisoning cases. She guided attendees on proper medico-legal reporting procedures and emphasized the importance of adopting a patient-centric approach. According to her, this approach not only minimizes unnecessary documentation but also reduces the burden on patients during judicial proceedings. She further clarified that suicide is no longer considered a criminal offense, placing greater responsibility on duty doctors to strictly follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) in reporting such cases.
The seminar also highlighted commonly used agents in poisoning and self-harm attempts, including benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Valium, phosphates, bleach, and insecticides.
The event proved highly informative for young medical professionals. Experts shared valuable insights and experiences across various dimensions of poisoning. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rab discussed demographic trends in poisoning cases, while Dr. M. Omer Sultan (YDA) spoke on acute poisoning management. Prof. Dr. Chooni Lal addressed the psychological aspects associated with poisoning and self-harm.
The expert panel featured distinguished professionals, including Prof. Dr. Masroor, Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Abdul Sattar, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Afridi, Prof. Dr. Riaz, and Prof. Qaiser Jamal.
The symposium was attended by prominent figures such as Executive Director Jinnah Hospital Prof. Khalid Sher, Joint Executive Director Dr. Salman, and Dean & Head of Gynecology Dr. Halima Yasmin, among others.