Breakthrough in Bhopal Gas victim treatment

NK SINGH

Bhopal: A team of medical experts appears to be heading for a breakthrough in the treatment of methyl iso-cyanate victims. About 40 patients were administered sodium thiosulphate injections, and the cure for cyanide poisoning, under controlled conditions has shown remarkable signs of improvement.

Consequently, the government has withdrawn its controversial ban on the use of sodium thiosulphate. A meeting of top medical experts of the country, including the additional director-general of the Indian Council of Medical Research, Prof Ramachari, decided here on Sunday that sodium thiosulphate may be administered "where warranted".

Prof. V. S. Narain of the G. B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, under whose supervision the experiment is being conducted at a special 302-bed hospital for the last 15 days, told ENS, "There is reasonable evidence that patients have benefited from Sodium thiosulphate. It has certainly helped them"

However, he said that he was proceeding very cautiously and further detailed studies were required before giving a final opinion.

Several patients this correspondent met at the hospital, said they were feeling "much better" since the sodium thiosulphate treatment was started.

Indian Express

February 5,1985