Comprehensive analysis of poisoning cases in Shimla region of Himachal Pradesh

Poisoning is a common medico-legal problem in our country. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in human beings and is more common in developing countries. This is an autopsy based prospective study which was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla, Himachal Pradesh between 1st January, 2019 to 30th June, 2020. During our study period, total 641 autopsies were conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine, I.G.M.C. Shimla, out of which 154(24 %) of total cases were of poisoning. The most common age group among the cases was between 21-30 (31.16%) years. Out of 154 poisoning cases, 114 (74%) were males. More cases, 134 (87%), were from rural area. 109 (70.85%) cases were from lower socio-economic status. In our study, 118 (76.7%) cases consumed poison at home. During the study period, maximum, 41(26.65%) cases were conducted in Monsoon season of 2019. The most common poisons detected by the Forensic Science Laboratories were Organophosphates in 54 (35.06%) cases. The most common route of administration was Oral in 147 (95.45%) cases. The Hospital reporting time after poisoning was 1-2 hours in 65 (42.21%) cases.