Report on Awareness Programme during 5th National Pharmacovigilance Week

National Pharmacovigilance Week is being observed from 17th–23rd September 2025 under the theme “Your Safety, Just a Click Away: Report to PvPI”.

On the occasion of the 5th National Pharmacovigilance Week, the students of Diploma in Pharmacy from Dr. Sudhir Chandra Sur Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology organized a community awareness programme on Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR). The event was conducted on 22nd September 2025 at a nearby slum area, with the objective of spreading knowledge among underprivileged people about the safe use of medicines and the potential risks of improper drug consumption.

The programme began with an introductory session where the students explained, in simple language, the meaning of adverse drug reaction and how it can affect health. Many slum dwellers rely on over-the-counter medicines or self-medication practices due to lack of proper healthcare access. Keeping this in mind, the students highlighted the importance of consulting a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. They also explained the danger of taking expired drugs, incorrect dosages, or combining medicines without medical advice.

To make the session more interactive, the students demonstrated common examples of ADR such as skin rashes, stomach upset, dizziness, and breathing difficulty, which can occur if medicines are not used properly. They also guided the people on recognizing early symptoms of ADR and encouraged them to report such reactions to healthcare providers. Information was also shared about the role of Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) in monitoring drug safety and how every citizen can contribute by being cautious and responsible.

Students were carrying their self-made Placards with pictorial messages about safe drug use and emergency steps to be taken in case of an adverse reaction. The students further emphasized the importance of completing antibiotic courses, avoiding self-prescription, and keeping medicines away from children.

The session concluded with an open discussion, where local residents shared their experiences of side effects from medicines. The students patiently addressed their concerns and provided practical advice. The community appreciated the initiative and expressed their gratitude for receiving such valuable knowledge.

This outreach activity not only created awareness among the slum people but also gave the pharmacy students a practical opportunity to understand the social responsibility attached to their profession. It reinforced the idea that pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring medicine safety and public health.

Overall, the event was a successful step in promoting awareness about adverse drug reactions and strengthening the culture of safe medication practices, in line with the objectives of the National Pharmacovigilance Week.