INTOX 2024, India’s first-ever international conference on toxinology, held at Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Centre (MMHRC), from December 6 to 8, 2024, with the participation of 500 delegates and over 50 experts from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and South Africa.
The objective of the three-day conference, organised by MMHRC in association with the University of Reading and the Indian Society of Clinical Toxicology, was to keep the medical community abreast of the latest developments in the field of toxinology, the study of the toxins, poisons, and venoms made by living organisms (animals, plants, and microbes), as well as clinical toxicology that involves the research, prevention and treatment of diseases caused by chemicals, drugs and toxins.
INTOX 2024 featured research discussions, and also focused on practical, real-world applications. The event included training sessions for the participants that aimed at improving emergency care for toxin-related cases especially in rural and other high-risk areas. One of the standout features of the event was a Sensitization Workshop on Public Health Management of Chemical Emergencies, organised by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in collaboration with WHO India, on December 7th, 2024, at Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital. The workshop prepared healthcare professionals, emergency responders, and stakeholders for chemical emergencies.
Prof (Dr) Atul Goel, Director, Directorate General of Health Services, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); Dr. Anil Kumar, Principal Advisor, NCDC; Dr. Meera Dhuria, Joint Director, Public Health Preparedness & NCD and Division of Biochemistry & Toxicology, NCDC; Dr Saurabh Dalal, NPO (Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management), World Health Organization, Prof. Sakthi Vaiyapuri Prof. in Cardiovascular & Venom Pharmacology, University of Reading, UK, Dr. Ramesh Ardhanari, Medical Director, Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. Narendra Nath Jena, Senior consultant and HOD, Department of Accident and Emergency, and Dr. B. Kannan, Medical Administrator, Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre were among the key speakers of the conference.
Talking about INTOX 2024, Dr. S. Gurushankar, Chairman, Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre, said, “Toxins claim a large number of human lives. Every year 50,000 to 70,000 people die in India alone, mainly for want of timely medicine, and scientific treatment for toxin-related cases like snakebites. The country contributes to nearly 50 per cent of global snakebite deaths and is considered the snakebite capital of the world. Considering the huge mortality rate, the government has very recently announced that snakebite is a notifiable disease. In this context, INTOX 2024 assumes large significance. Organised for the first time in India, this landmark event marks a milestone in the global efforts to advance toxinology research, with leading scientists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry pioneers coming together to share knowledge and collaborate on groundbreaking solutions.”
In his comments, Dr. Narendra Nath Jena, said that toxinology is a field that the conference highlighted the immense potential to turn dangerous toxins into life-saving innovations. “Throughout the event, the discussions revolved around how venom, poison, and toxins, often seen as hazardous, could lead to the development of life-saving treatments, drugs, and biotechnological advancements. Scientists and experts shared their research on the medicinal properties of toxins, such as how snake venom could be used to create novel therapies for conditions like heart disease, cancer, and blood clotting disorders. The conference not only celebrated the progress made but also pointed to the future of toxinology as a frontier of discovery with the ability to transform healthcare on a global scale."
With many regions around the world being prone to venomous bites, particularly from snakes, INTOX 2024 put a spotlight on the importance of education and training for both healthcare providers and community leaders. It highlighted that improving local response capabilities could significantly reduce fatalities and improve outcomes in emergency situations. The emphasis was also on the need to integrate snakebite management into national health strategies, with a call to action for governments and organizations to take steps to address what is considered a silent epidemic.
The Sensitization Workshop on Public Health Management of Chemical Emergencies offered critical insights into managing and mitigating the effects of chemical disasters, equipping participants with the skills necessary to respond quickly and effectively to such crises. The session underscored the importance of collaboration and rapid response in reducing the impact of chemical emergencies, an issue that remains urgent in many parts of the world.