Manish Kumath

Preparedness strategies against bioterrorism – an Indian scenario

Recently, in the wake of 9/11 and subsequent frequent terrorist attacks, the medical fraternity is concerned about some biological agents being used as weapons in future. Globally over the years the weapons used have shifted from swords to bullets and bombs and are now heading towards biological weapons. The considerable ease of production along with the immense capacity to create panic has attracted the so-called terrorists towards the use of biological agents as future weapons. If such weapons are used in densely populated areas, the risk of massive destruction in the form of life is too high. To combat these bio-threats, conventional principals of outbreak investigation supported with efficient laboratory systems are required to fall in place. Globally various agencies are working hard to curb such problems in future. In India recently, after the formation of a national disaster management authority and the establishment of the apex trauma centre, gradually the awareness, preparedness and mitigation of these threats are being discussed frequently for tackling them. We are presenting the problem of bioterrorism with suggested remedial measures for this emerging threat through this poster presentation highlighting (1) modern bioterrorist incidences, (2) types of biological agents, (3) bio-surveillance strategies, (4) public health infrastructures, (5) risk communication, (6) public private partnership and (7) medico-legal issues.

Challenges and remedies in delivering forensic pathology services – an Indian view point

India is the second most populous country in the world boasting a population of about 1.13 billion at present and ready to take over the top-most position by year 2025 with the present rate of growth. The National Crime Records Bureau in a recent report found a 231% increase in the crime rate during the last 50 year period. If we talk about cases of homicides only in 2007–2008, around 32719 cases were recorded, which ranks highest in the world, the next being South Africa. According to a rough estimate, about one million unnatural deaths are reported in per year in India. As a result, numbers of medico-legal autopsies performed in India are the highest in the world. For tackling this enormous workload, about 90% of cases are dealt with by plain medical graduates, the quality of which remains debatable, and only 10% of cases are done by forensic experts. Although there is a worldwide shortage of trained forensic pathologists which is seriously hampering the delivery of forensic services, the situation in India has gone from bad to worse. Also there is a gross lack of infrastructure, absolute shortage of trained manpower and severe crunch of ancillary laboratory services. This poster discusses various aspects of medico-legal functioning in India and suggests the remedial measures which can be taken for overall improvement in delivery of forensic services.