The Hindu : Centres to be set up to deal with chemical warfare

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 24, 2004

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Centres to be set up to deal with chemical warfare

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MARCH 23. The Centre has proposed to set up specialised centres in different parts of the country to deal with any possible attack involving the use of chemical and biological weapons. The state-of-the-art centres would be equipped with antidotes and equipment required for rapid and effective responses in case of such attacks.

Disclosing here today, the DRDO chief and scientific adviser to Defence Minister, V.K. Aatre, said since a large amount of antidotes and equipment may be needed, the DRDO has planned to rope in the private industry for producing them. The organisation has convened a meeting on Wednesday with pharmaceutical companies. Scientists from DRDO would demonstrate the various antidotes and equipment that have been developed at their laboratories during the meeting. The technical know-how would be provided to interested companies at a nominal price, but with certain conditions to ensure that the technology or the products did not fall into the wrong hands. About 40 firms are expected to participate.Scientists have, among other things, developed diagnostic kits for rapid detection of chemical warfare agents such as nerve gas, phosgene, mustard gas, and hydrogen cyanide, dosimeters for measuring radiation levels, protective suits for persons engaged in rescue operations, and antidotes for cyanide poisoning.

They would also demonstrate the various medical applications that have been developed by the laboratories to address the health problems of the soldiers and which could be used for the civilian population also. Among other things, DRDO scientists have developed diagnostic kits for detecting malaria, typhoid, rheumatoid arthritis, and TB, herbal-based treatment for leucoderma, and toothache and an anti-mosquito spray.

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