Expansion of the Nepal Poison Information Center
| Expansion of the Nepal Poison Information Center | |
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| Location: | Kathmandu (Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital) |
| Institution: | ASK Foundation |
| Project: | Summary
The Nepal Poison Information Center (Nepal-PIC) was established through leadership and support provided by Brown Emergency Medicine’s faculty and a multi-academic collaboration. This collaboration combines resources, expertise, and support to ensure the successful operation of Nepal-PIC since August 2023 . Nepal-PIC operates from the Department of Clinical Pharmacology at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu. It employs three trained Specialists in Poison Information (SPIs) and a Research Assistant. A 24/7 hotline provides immediate poison information services to healthcare providers in Nepal. Given the shortage of medical toxicologists in Nepal, Nepal-PIC established a robust backup support system with 12 international and 16 national experts available 24/7 via WhatsApp. This ensures comprehensive guidance for complex cases, enhancing the capacity of the SPIs. This project seeks to now expand the tested poison information center to include services for Goals The objectives & deliverables for this project are:
Summary The Nepal Poison Information Center (Nepal-PIC) was established through leadership and support provided by Brown Emergency Medicine’s faculty and a multi-academic collaboration. This collaboration combines resources, expertise, and support to ensure the successful operation of Nepal-PIC since August 2023 . Nepal-PIC operates from the Department of Clinical Pharmacology at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu. It employs three trained Specialists in Poison Information (SPIs) and a Research Assistant. A 24/7 hotline provides immediate poison information services to healthcare providers in Nepal. Given the shortage of medical toxicologists in Nepal, Nepal-PIC established a robust backup support system with 12 international and 16 national experts available 24/7 via WhatsApp. This ensures comprehensive guidance for complex cases, enhancing the capacity of the SPIs. This project seeks to now expand the tested poison information center to include services for Needs Poisoning incidents, including those related to accidental, intentional, and occupational exposures, pose a significant health burden in Nepal. Many healthcare providers in Nepal, particularly those in rural areas, may lack the specialized training and resources needed to manage poisoning cases effectively. A PIC would serve as a vital resource, offering expert consultation, standardized treatment protocols. The national system-level assessment (ECSA) conducted by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and Nepal Government identified the need for a poison control center for providers and the public as one of the top 39 priorities to improve emergency care in the country. Currently, nonational or centralized poison information center with standardized protocols and 24- hour |
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| Institution: | ASK Foundation |
| Location: | Niketan Marg, Dillibazar, Kathmandu |
| Contact: | Ramu Kharel , Assistant Professor |
| Organization: | Mission
The organization’s major objective is to support the underprivileged population by offering telemedicine services. Description ASK Foundation is a not-for-profit organization registered under Company Act 2063 in Nepal. It has been providing telemedicine services in rural parts of Nepal for over a decade. It currently has 7 active telemedicine sites from all over the country. It has collaborated with many international and national organizations in areas like disaster relief, COVID-19 Medical Hotline Projects, continuous advocacy and training of health workers. Additionally it is leveraging its efforts to community by developing a prototype website with focus on providing a comprehensive resource Guide on Age care of Nepal. ASK Foundation, as a member of the COVID Alliance, played a significant role during the COVID-19 surge and was honored with the Impact Award by Business 360 for the year 2021. ASK Foundation’s extensive experience in telemedicine and health worker training directly aligns with the needs of the proposed Poison Information Center (PIC) project. ASK Foundation wrote the initial grant for establishing PIC in Nepal and has been actively supporting the project. |
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| Title: | Expansion of the Nepal Poison Information Center |
| ID: | 24ASK001 |
| Type: | Services |
| Proposed: | 23 December 2024 |
| Approved: | 02 February 2025 |
| Grant: | $31,544.72 |
| Fund Approved: | $15,772.36 |
| Closed: | |
| Nepal Manager: | |
| USA Manager: | |
| Details: | The Nepal Poison Information Center (Nepal-PIC) was established through leadership and support provided by Brown Emergency Medicine’s faculty and a multi-academic collaboration. This collaboration combines resources, expertise, and support to ensure the successful operation of Nepal-PIC since August 2023 . |
| Expansion of the Nepal Poison Information Center | |
|---|---|
| 21 Jul 25 | Project withdrawn by the Grantee |
| 02 Mar 25 | Fund Assurance Notice sent to ASK Foundation. |
| 16 Feb 25 | Project approved by the ANMF/USA Board. |
| 23 Dec 24 | Budget & Timeline received from ASK Foundation. |
| 23 Dec 24 | Application received from ASK Foundation. |
| Expansion of the Nepal Poison Information Center | |
|---|---|
| 21 Jul 25 | Project Withdrawn |
| 02 Mar 25 | Fund Assurance Notice |
| 23 Dec 24 | Budget & Timeline |
| 23 Dec 24 | Application |