SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre Celebrates 5th National Pharmacovigilance Week with a Week-long Awareness Drive
The Department of Pharmacology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, in collaboration with the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), Ghaziabad, celebrated the 5th National Pharmacovigilance Week in September 2025 with a series of interactive and educational events aimed at strengthening awareness about Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting and promoting a culture of patient safety.
The celebration was inaugurated by Dr. [Insert Dean’s Name], Dean, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, along with Dr. [Insert HOD’s Name], Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology. Faculty members, postgraduate and undergraduate students, nurses, and healthcare professionals from multiple disciplines actively participated throughout the week.
The week featured a range of creative and knowledge-based competitions, including a fashion show, a rangoli contest, and a reel-making challenge, designed to help students creatively express the importance of pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting. These activities sparked enthusiasm and curiosity among young participants, making the concept of drug safety more accessible and engaging.
Beyond campus activities, the department organised awareness and interactive sessions for patients and attendants in both outpatient and inpatient departments. Volunteers from the Pharmacovigilance Committee guided patients on recognising and reporting side effects of medications, emphasising how community participation plays a crucial role in improving healthcare outcomes.
A community outreach program was also conducted in nearby localities to extend the message beyond the hospital walls. The initiative educated the public on the safe use of medicines, responsible self-medication practices, and the national mechanisms available for reporting adverse drug reactions.
The highlight of the week was an Academic CME held for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Expert speakers shared insights on pharmacovigilance systems in India, the practical aspects of ADR reporting, and the significance of spontaneous reporting in ensuring patient safety and supporting regulatory decisions. The session reinforced the commitment of SRM Medical College to uphold the highest standards of ethical and safe clinical practice.
In addition, departmental sensitisation programs were conducted across major specialities to encourage internal reporting and to integrate pharmacovigilance practices into routine clinical workflows.
The Department of Pharmacology expressed gratitude to the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) for its continued collaboration and guidance in fostering awareness about pharmacovigilance. The week concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to promote drug safety through vigilance, education, and community engagement.
