Medical officer's perspectives and professional challenges in handling poisoning cases in rural India

Introduction: Poisoning is a significant public health problem in developing countries, more so in rural areas. Very little is known about the treatment available for poisoning cases in the context of rural health care provision in India. This study explores the perceptions of the primary health care medical officers regarding the management of poisoning cases. Material and Methods: A semistructured, self-designed survey form was used to interview the medical officers in Pune district. The interview focused on understanding rural hospital settings in terms of infrastructure, available facilities, and medical officers' perception of professional challenges in the management of poisoning cases. Results: Underreporting of poisoning cases in these primary health centers (PHCs) and transferring to higher hospitals without basic first aid provided was noted through interviews. Conclusion: Medical officers in rural PHCs lack the necessary training and knowledge required for the management of poisonings which is further worsened by lack of resources. There is a need to focus on poison management in continuous medical education. Training programs and education for medical officers are needs of the hour.

Thermosensitive In Situ Gel Of Tinidazole In Treatment Of Bacterial Vaginosis: Formulation And Evaluation

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the leading cause of vaginal discharge. Because of its big surface area, wealthy blood supply, avoidance of the first-pass effect and high permeability to many drugs, the vagina offers a promising location for local impact as well as systemic drug delivery. In situ gels give several benefits, such as ease of administration in the respective body cavities, elevated spreadability at certain temperatures, reduced administration frequency, improved patient compliance and comfort compared to standard dosage forms. Tinidazole (TNZ) can give effective treatment over the BV. In situ gel of TNZ containing polaxomer 407and HPMC E100 or carbopol 941NF was optimized on the basis of various evaluation parameters. Gelation temperature (Tgel) and pH of all batches was found in range of 36.6 to38.0 ºC and 4.20 to 5.03, viscosity was found in range of 1100-2050 cps at 25ºC and 4800-6530 cps at 37ºC. The Spredability was found in range of 16-20 cm. From these evaluation parameters we selected best combination for the mucoadhesive property, antimicrobial study, in vitro drug release and for HET CAM irritation study. The optimized formulation gives satisfactory results. In this study we also compare the performance of two mucoadhesive polymer. Based on maximum desirability and cost effectiveness, in situ vaginal gel containing 20% polaxomer and 0.5% HPMC E100 could be considered as a highly promising treatment for bacterial vaginosis.