Hi-Tech Medical College observes National Pharmacovigilance Week

Bhubaneswar: Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital has observed the 6th National Pharmacovigilance Week from September 17 to 23, with a series of academic, awareness and community outreach programmes aimed at promoting rational use of medicines and strengthening patient safety.

The programme was organised by the Department of Pharmacology and Adverse Drug Monitoring Centre (ADMC) of the institution on the theme ‘Rational Use of Medicine through Pharmacovigilance – A Step Towards Safer Health Care’.

The week-long campaign was coordinated by Prof. Dr. Moumita Hazra, Head of the Department and Programme Coordinator, along with Akhaiyaka Guru, Pharmacovigilance Associate. The initiative witnessed participation from doctors, nursing professionals, paramedical staff, allied health science students and other members of the healthcare fraternity.

As part of the observance, several academic and creative competitions were organised to enhance awareness about pharmacovigilance and the importance of safe and rational use of medicines.

Students and healthcare professionals participated in elocution, quiz competitions, oral and poster presentations, essay writing and thematic Rangoli competitions. The activities provided participants with an opportunity to explore various aspects of adverse drug reactions, medication safety and responsible medicine use.

A major feature of this year’s programme was the emphasis on digital tools for improving awareness and reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs).

As part of the campaign, awareness videos and educational materials on ADRs were displayed on hospital digital screens and shared through social media platforms. QR codes were also introduced across inpatient wards and major medical blocks, enabling patients, attendants and healthcare workers to access drug safety and reporting facilities more conveniently.

The organisers also proposed the inclusion of the National Pharmacovigilance Toll-Free Number on OPD prescription sheets, with the objective of making drug-related reporting information readily available to patients.

The campaign extended beyond the academic environment through sensitisation programmes in the Out-Patient Departments (OPDs). Patients and attendants were educated about the importance of taking medicines appropriately and reporting any suspected adverse reactions to healthcare professionals.

The initiative sought to strengthen collaboration between healthcare professionals and the community in promoting safer medication practices.

The week-long observance concluded with a valedictory programme addressed by Prof. Dr. Moumita Hazra, who highlighted the importance of pharmacovigilance in ensuring safer healthcare practices. Appreciation letters were presented to departments that supported the initiative, while certificates were distributed among the winners of various competitions.

Akhaiyaka Guru, Pharmacovigilance Associate, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the hospital administration, participating departments, students and healthcare professionals for their support.

Special appreciation was also extended to the housekeeping staff for their contribution towards maintaining the facilities and ensuring the smooth conduct of the week-long programme.

The observance concluded with a renewed commitment towards promoting rational medicine use, stronger ADR reporting and a culture of patient safety across the healthcare institution.