Hyderabad, March 4 – The recent death of a 16-year-old girl from Jagtial following the alleged consumption of paraquat has sparked renewed demands for a nationwide ban on the highly toxic herbicide. Relatives of the deceased and other affected families shared their harrowing experiences at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Telangana office in Koti, where medical professionals and political leaders called for immediate action to prohibit paraquat.
Medical experts argue that the substance should be banned due to three primary reasons: it has no antidote, it is fatal even in small quantities, and safer alternatives are available. Hospitals across Hyderabad, including Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Gandhi Hospital, and Osmania General Hospital, report handling around 100-150 paraquat poisoning cases annually. In rural areas where farming is prevalent, the situation is particularly dire, with dozens of cases reported monthly and over 10 deaths in such regions.
“Regardless of whether a patient seeks treatment at government or private hospitals, the outcome is often grim,” said Dr Mahesh Reddy, president of Doctors Against Paraquat Poison (DAAP). He added that patients may remain hospitalized for extended periods, leading families to believe their loved ones are recovering when, in fact, the lung damage caused by paraquat is irreversible.
Paraquat dichloride, a common weed control agent sold at fertilizer shops for approximately Rs 250-Rs 300, has been widely used across the country. The devastating consequences of this chemical have become increasingly evident in recent years, prompting growing concerns among both medical professionals and the public.
The call for a nationwide ban on paraquat comes as various international conflicts dominate global headlines, including the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. As the debate over the herbicide continues, it remains to be seen whether the Indian government will take decisive action to protect its citizens from the harmful effects of paraquat.
