Early Times Report
Jammu, May 22: In a significant stride towards enhancing emergency medical response and public safety, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Vijaypur, Jammu has operationalized its Poison Information and Management Centre (PIMC). Since becoming functional in July 2024, the centre has been pivotal in providing round-the-clock toxicological support and life-saving guidance in poisoning emergencies. Accessible via a 24x7 helpline at 9103967500, the PIMC offers expert medical advice to both the general public and healthcare providers, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas prone to chemical exposure, snakebites, and household poisoning incidents. Since its inception, the PIMC has managed over 33 poisoning cases, including pesticide ingestion, accidental chemical exposure, snakebites, and rare toxic substance incidents. The timely medical advice provided by the centre has played a crucial role in effective treatment and saving lives. The centre is manned by trained toxicologists and clinical pharmacologists, offering real-time treatment recommendations to medical professionals across the region. In addition to emergency support, PIMC is committed to raising public awareness about poison prevention, first-aid protocols, and the safe handling of toxic materials. “The establishment of PIMC is a testament to AIIMS Vijaypur’s commitment to safeguarding public health,” said Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Jammu. “Such dedicated centres are essential for building a responsive and resilient healthcare system capable of addressing modern toxicological threats.” Apart from emergency management, the PIMC also contributes to toxicovigilance and data-driven public health planning by supporting research, trend analysis, and preventive strategy development. The institution urges the public and healthcare professionals to report poisoning cases immediately, as early intervention can be life-saving. For detailed information, the public can visit www.aiimsjammu.edu.in. |