DOCTORS plead with South Africans.
They called on the public to stop using organophosphate to end their lives.
The doctors said although one might survive, there are complications.
This after Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa revealed that adults are using organophosphate to commit suicide.
While organophosphate poisoning can cause a wide range of effects from mild to life-threatening, affecting various body systems, the notorious pesticide has been identified as the most used to end ones life.
Doctors confirmed that symptoms can include muscle weakness, fasciculations, respiratory distress and neurological issues such as seizures and coma. Long-term exposure can lead to cognitive deficits, Parkinsonism and other neurological problems.
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A doctor who didn't want to be named told Daily Sun patients who consumed organophosphate are usually unresponsive and have moderate exposure to vomiting and low heart rate.
Speaking at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto on Friday, 11 April, where Omphile Molobela (8) is receiving treatment after he ate "poisoned" snacks which allegedly contained organophosphate, Hlabisa said it's concerning that adults use the same poison to commit suicide.
"There was one thing that raised a concern, which was raised by doctors there. There are so many adults who consume organophosphate as a way to commit suicide. And we really want to appeal to our communities whatever challenges they face, they mustn't consume organophosphate.
"When they interview them, they say: 'I am unemployed, I have family challenges'. Indeed, unemployment is a challenge for our young people, but it doesn't mean ending your life. Whatever family challenges a person might be going through, there are centres that give counselling and support," Hlabisa said.
The minister urged community members to use those centres instead of committing suicide. "Let us not take shortcuts to end our lives," he added.
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