(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned `No antidote for poison in hospitals` appearing in `Pioneer` dated December 14, 1999;
(b) if so, the facts of the matter reported therein and the reasons therefor;
(c) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this direction; and
(d) the time by which these antidotes are likely to be available in hospitals?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY
WELFARE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI N.T. SHANMUGAM)
(a)to(d) : Antidotes for common poison including Anti-snake venom are available in Central Government Hospitals. Activated charcoal, which is an absorbent is available in Lady Hardinge Medical College & Associated Hospitals. Poisoning of heavy metals are dealt with by symptomatic and supportive treatment.