The Ramathibodi Poison Center plays a crucial role in addressing the global issue of poisoning, which affects everyone due to the ubiquitous presence of chemicals in our environment. Established in 1996 under the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, the center began with a small, dedicated team operating around the clock. Dr. Winai Wananukul, the center’s director, recalls early challenges such as the high costs of toxicology databases and establishing a regional database for indigenous venomous animals. Managing the administration of antidotes and antivenoms, given their rarity, expense, and occasional unavailability during critical moments, posed significant challenges.
Financial Support and Collaboration
When the National Health Security Office (NHSO) began providing funding for the center in 2005, it was transformed into a call center that offered a comprehensive range of services to the general public. By the year 2010, the systematic administration of antidotes and antivenoms had been significantly improved thanks to collaboration with the National Health Service Organization (NHSO), as well as with external partners such as the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), both of which fall under the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). The supply, distribution, and storage of these essential medications were all substantially improved as a result of this partnership.
Antidote Production and Distribution
The Thai Red Cross is responsible for the production of antidotes, and the General Public Office (GPO) is responsible for importing them. The distribution of antidotes to hospitals is tailored to the particular characteristics and epidemiological requirements of each antidote. In addition to the administration of drugs, the center has also implemented a cutting-edge geographic information system (GIS) to locate nearby antidotes and hosts nationwide knowledge-sharing sessions on toxicology for medical professionals. Because of these initiatives, coverage has increased while at the same time the budget for acquiring antidotes has decreased.
A Trusted and Recognized Institution
Because it has been in operation for more than 23 years without interruption, the Ramathibodi Poison Center has become widely recognized as a reliable institution across the country. Over 25,000 cases are handled annually by the center’s dedicated team of toxicology experts, which includes five full-time scientists and 18 part-time scientists. The center is well-known for providing its patients with exceptional care from the beginning of their treatment to the time they are recovering. The center has become an international hub as a result of its success, and it now supplies antidotes to other countries even when they are experiencing an emergency.
Future Challenges and Goals
Dr. Winai underscores future challenges, including the need to sustainably manage the center’s annual operational costs of approximately 10 million baht without imposing charges on patients to ensure broad access to life-saving treatments. Public subsidies are vital for its continued operation. Moreover, enhancing the country’s capacity with more toxicology experts and laboratories is essential to improving treatment quality and reducing patient transfers. The center is committed to supporting local hospitals with enhanced diagnostics and treatments.
Commitment to Saving Lives
In spite of the fact that it is one of the seven centers of excellence at Ramathibodi Hospital, the Ramathibodi Poison Center continues to be unwavering in its dedication to preserving the lives of patients who are in critical condition. Individuals from all over the world, regardless of their treatment rights, race, or pre-existing conditions, are able to continue to receive potentially life-saving toxicology services from the facility.
Conclusion
The Ramathibodi Poison Center stands as a pivotal force in the fight against poisoning, offering essential services and expert guidance to protect health and ensure safety. Since its inception in 1996 under the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, the center has evolved into a trusted national institution. Overcoming numerous challenges, such as the availability and affordability of antidotes, through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions like the GIS system, the center remains dedicated to its mission of safeguarding public health.
FAQ
In its early days, the center encountered difficulties such as high costs associated with toxicology databases, establishing a regional database for indigenous venomous animals, and managing the administration of rare and expensive antidotes and antivenoms.
The center received financial support from the National Health Security Office (NHSO) starting in 2005, which enabled it to operate as a one-stop-service call center for the public. Collaboration with external partners like the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has improved the systematic administration, supply, distribution, and storage of antidotes and antivenoms.
Dr. Winai highlighted the need to sustainably manage the center’s annual operational costs, which amount to approximately 10 million baht, without charging patients. He also emphasized the necessity for more toxicology experts and laboratories in Thailand to enhance treatment quality and reduce patient transfers. Additionally, the center aims to continue supporting local hospitals with improved diagnosis and treatments.