Poison Centers in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: History, Scope of Services, and Strengths and Weaknesses as Public Healthcare Providers

Abstract

Background: Poison centers (PCs) have been established in some of the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) countries; however, their history, scope of services, and data collection parameters have not been studied. Aims: To investigate whether PCs in the EMR offer standardized and harmonized services compared to PCs in developed countries.Methods: Required data were extracted from a questionnaire that was distributed to EM poison centers and from articles published during 1995–2021 by PCs in the EMR.Results: A total of 23 PCs were found in 14 of the 22 EMR countries, the majority of which shared data entry of the main poisoning parameters. Scope of services was documented by 10 PCs in EMR countries. Only three poison centers, located in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia, provided all of the WHO-listed main services, while four PCs provided poison information and laboratory services and the rest provided one or two services. Conclusion: Only 63% of EMR countries have a poison center, and most of them lack functions and services at the level needed as public health providers. Collaboration among PCs in EMR countries is required to determine weaknesses, strengths, and challenges.