CME ON ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS AND PHARMACOVIGILANCE CONDUCTED BY NEIGRIHMS

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) Monitoring Centre, Department of Pharmacology, NEIGRIHMS, organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) and Pharmacovigilance in the month of April and May. Objective of the CME was to sensitize and disseminate information to health professionals about adverse drug reactions (ADR) and the importance of spontaneous ADR reporting.

The CME was inaugurated by Prof. Nalin Mehta, Director, NEIGRIHMS along with Prof. C. Daniala, Medical Superintendent, NEIGRIHMS. In his inaugural address, Prof. Nalin Mehta highlighted the importance of pharmacovigilance in ensuring the safety of patients. He said that ADRs are preventable most of the time, and with the help of pharmacovigilance, we can ensure safe use of medicines and vaccines, which will augment the patient safety.

Dr. D.K. Brahma, Additional Professor, Department of Pharmacology, NEIGRIHMS, gave an introductory talk on the theme of the CME, “Adverse Drug Reaction and Pharmacovigilance.” He also stressed on the importance of spontaneous reporting of ADRs. Next session was taken by Dr. Reuben.P.Syiem, Senior Resident Doctor, Department of Pharmacology, NEIGRIHMS. Dr. Syiem discussed the history of pharmacovigilance, the different types of ADRs, and the reasons for under reporting of ADRs. He also stressed on the need to increase ADR reporting awareness among healthcare professionals and patients.

Last session of the CME was a hands-on training program conducted by Dr. Melambha Surong, Pharmacovigilance Associate, Department of Pharmacology, NEIGRIHMS. During this session, the participants were asked to fill out an ADR reporting form based on a clinical case on suspected adverse drug reaction.

The CME was attended by nurses, doctors, and pharmacists. The participants were very enthusiastic and engaged in the discussions. The CME was a great success, and it helped to raise awareness of ADRs and pharmacovigilance among healthcare professionals.

This CME was organized as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a nationwide initiative by the Government of India to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. The CME was a great way to contribute to this important event, and it helped to ensure that the safety of patients is a priority in India.