Rajouri: The Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri has decided to delay the discharge of eight patients from Badhal village, who were previously scheduled to be discharged today.
Currently, 11 patients from the village remain admitted and are undergoing treatment at GMC Rajouri, according to officials.
Speaking to this correspondent of news agency JKNS, the expert committee, chaired by Principal Prof (Dr) AS Bhatia, reviewed the situation and decided not to release the patients until the final forensic reports confirm the nature of the toxic substance consumed by them. The patients, who were earlier taken off atropine treatment, will remain under observation as a precautionary measure.
Prof (Dr) AS Bhatia told JKNS, “At present, we are unsure about the exact nature of the poisonous substance consumed by the residents of Badhal. However, we initiated empirical treatment based on available statistical data, including the administration of atropine, which has proven to be a game-changer, achieving a 100% recovery rate.”
He added, “We will await the final forensic report to determine the exact toxin so that the patients can be discharged with appropriate medicines to safeguard them from potential long-term effects of the toxic compound.”
Dr. Bhatia said that the absence of typical signs of organophosphorus poisoning, despite the effectiveness of atropine, has raised questions among the treating doctors. “It is unclear whether another poison was present alongside organophosphorus or if atropine is effective against another unidentified toxin. This has been the most surprising aspect of the case,” he said.
Highlighting the risks, Dr. Bhatia stated, “Many poisons have long-term effects, which may manifest 3 to 6 weeks after consumption. Considering this, the team has decided to retain the patients until we receive forensic lab reports and can provide the appropriate treatment during their discharge.”
The final decision to discharge the patients will depend on the results from the Central Forensic Laboratories, ensuring their long-term health and safety, officials said. (JKNS)
