India's plan to open its fourth poison information centre has run into problems over non-fulfilment of basic criteria. A World Health Organisation (who) team recently inspected the Industrial Toxicology Research Centre (itrc) in Lucknow, where the unit will be based, and raised a few objections.

Ideally, a poison information centre should be attached to analytical laboratories and hospitals so that the data it generates can be used quickly in any life-threatening situation. itrc, however, would only be able to provide analytical services, as it is not linked to any hospital in the area. The centre doesn't satisfy another condition