- The Directorate of Forensics Services, Himachal Pradesh has organized two days workshop on ‘Forensic Toxicology’ during 4th & 5th of March 2024. The main objective of the workshop to explore & deliberate on better examination procedures for quick disposal & to reduce turn around time and quality result output as per International Standard of ISO/IEC/17025.
- At the onset, Dr. Meenakshi Mahajan, Director Forensics, welcomed the Chief Guest Dr. Priyankar Ghosh, Director (Retired), Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, who remained an eminent expert of Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology, Lead Assessor (LA) & Technical Assessor (Chemical sciences) NABL, and appraised about the objectives of workshop to the participating officers/officials. On the occasion, Dr. A.K. Jaswal, Senior Scientist, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi had deliberated online and provided insight to the experts.
- During the inaugural session, Dr. Priyankar Ghosh, Director (Retired), CFSL, MHA, GOI informed that 50 % approx sample intake in almost all the Forensic Science Laboratories in India belongs to Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology sections. Because of the complexity in extraction of poison from biological matrix, the submission of report gets delayed. He has suggested that each sample in Toxicology required systematic analysis of samples, where medium of sample is very crucial. The laboratory being accredited by International body like NABL, the extraction of samples plays a very important role in the outcome of result. He observed that the scientists are all highly qualified and this workshop has facilitated to address certain misconception on extraction of drugs from samples.
- Dr. A.K Jaswal addressed queries raised by experts and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of improving services within the Chemistry and Toxicology Division to ensure the timely submission of forensic reports. The experts participated actively in the workshop, engaging in discussions surrounding Forensic Toxicology to expedite case solutions.
- During the workshop under the guidance of Dr. Priyankar Ghosh, the 2nd meeting of Scientific Working Group on Chemical Sciences (2019) was also held. The objective of said meeting was to revise the existing Working Procedure Manual of Chemical Sciences and to update, and improve the quality output.
- A time line has been generated for developing the Working Procedure Manual for Chemistry & Toxicology traceable to International Standards. The scientist concerned have been allotted work and asked to complete the job within stipulated period of two months. Further, Dr. Priyankar Ghosh will give inputs in-between for formulating the Working Procedure Manual.
