The Department of Pharmacology at AIIMS Bhopal successfully organized a Continued Medical Education (CME) program on Friday, 30th August 2024, titled "Pharmacovigilance: Role of a Health Care Professional." The program aimed to enhance awareness and competency among healthcare professionals in adverse drug event reporting, thereby promoting patient safety.

Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director, AIIMS Bhopal emphasizing the critical role of pharmacovigilance in modern healthcare said "Pharmacovigilance is a fundamental pillar of modern healthcare. It serves as our first line of defense in identifying, understanding, and preventing adverse drug reactions that can compromise patient safety. In an era where new medications and treatment modalities are continuously being introduced, the role of healthcare professionals in monitoring and reporting these events becomes even more critical. Through vigilant pharmacovigilance, we not only safeguard our patients but also contribute to the global knowledge base, enabling the development of safer and more effective therapies. It is imperative that every healthcare provider recognizes the significance of this responsibility and actively participates in fostering a culture of safety and transparency in clinical practice."

The program witnessed participation from over 130 healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, dentists, and postgraduate students from medical, AYUSH, and pharmacy colleges, as well as NABH-accredited hospitals in Bhopal and Vidisha. The event was supported by the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI).

Dr. Niket Rai, from LN Medical College, Bhopal, conducted a hands-on demonstration on using the PvPI ADR mobile app for reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Dr. Ratinder Jhaj, Coordinator of Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centre and Regional Training Center (RTC) for Pharmacovigilance for MP and Chhattisgarh under the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), provided an overview of the need and functioning of the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India.

The Department of Dermatology at AIIMS Bhopal was awarded the Patient Safety Champion Trophy for their outstanding contributions to patient safety.

The CME program was a significant step forward in reinforcing the importance of pharmacovigilance among healthcare professionals, ensuring better patient outcomes through vigilant and prompt reporting of adverse drug events.