SHILLONG, May 16: In a bid to disseminate information to health professionals about the adverse drug reactions and the importance of spontaneous ADR reporting, the 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.
The CME was inaugurated by NEIGRIHMS Director Prof Nalin Mehta along with Medical Superintendent, NEIGRIHMS, Prof C Daniala.
In his inaugural address, Prof 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, safe use of medicines and vaccines, which will augment the patient’s safety, can be assured.
Additional Professor, Department of Pharmacology, NEIGRIHMS, Dr DK Brahma, 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 programme 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.
