Aspen Pharmacare has, for the third year in a row, given a financial boost – of R1.4m – to the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Poisons Information Centre, based at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and which plays a crucial role in researching and disseminating toxicology information to healthcare professionals and the public.
Aspen’s Group senior executive Dr Stavros Nicolaou said Aspen remained “committed to this partnership and the public impact it delivers” in support of poisoning emergencies.
“This is the third consecutive year that we have funded the helpline, highlighting our commitment to this critical and essential national service that directly affects the lives of so many who rely on the expertise and information provided,” he added
The centre’s director, Dr Bradley Browne, said, “We receive more than 13 000 calls each year, and the number grows annually. To date, the PIH has recorded more than 150 000 poisonings on its database, which is used at local and national level to highlight specific toxicology challenges, like anti-venom shortages or emerging trends in toxic exposures.”
He said the centre was extremely grateful to Aspen Pharmacare for its longstanding support, which also includes bursaries and various other projects at UCT.
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