RESUMO
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the pattern of poisoning deaths in Bhavnagar region of Gujarat. The Paper presents the study of 143 cases of poisoning during the span of one year from 01/04/2008 to 31/03/2009. Out of 878 Post mortem examination done during the study period 143 cases were of poisoning. The cases were then analyzed on various parameters in the proforma prepared for this purpose. We concluded that majority of victims were married, Hindu, males from rural area and low socioeconomic group. The incidence of poisoning was more common during 21-30years of life. Suicidal cases were more common than accidental cases. No case of homicidal poisoning was detected in present study, chemical analysis of viscera done in 122 cases. Insecticide still topped the list as killer, while Aluminium phosphide & snake bite was second common fatal poisoning.