Sri Vijaya Puram, May 14:
As part of its efforts to improve public health and safety, the Clinical Research Unit (Homoeopathy) conducted a focused Pharmacovigilance Program at the Health and Wellness Center in Jirkatang under PHC Ferrargunj on May 8, 2025. The awareness drive targeted healthcare professionals and the local community, underlining the importance of monitoring adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in routine clinical settings.
Led by Dr. Namita Gopal, Junior Research Fellow (Homoeopathy), and Dr. Farheen, Senior Research Fellow (Homoeopathy), the session addressed critical themes in pharmacovigilance, including early detection of side effects, documentation, and preventive strategies to mitigate harm from drug usage.
Dr. Gopal opened the session by stressing the importance of pharmacovigilance in healthcare systems, particularly in homoeopathy where community-based treatments often lack robust monitoring frameworks. She explained how ADRs can manifest subtly but have serious implications if left unreported.
Dr. Farheen elaborated on the techniques for identifying suspected ADRs and managing them through standardized protocols. The session urged community healthcare providers to adopt proactive approaches and encouraged reporting mechanisms, particularly in rural and semi-urban health setups.
The program was conducted in collaboration with the Medical Officer In-Charge and Medical Officer (Homoeopathy) at PHC Ferrargunj, ensuring alignment with broader public health goals. It aimed not only to train personnel but also to instil awareness in local populations that effective healthcare depends on vigilance and communication.
Following the educational component, a health camp was held at the same venue to encourage wellness and community participation. The event offered general health checkups and advice from healthcare professionals, complementing the awareness generated by the pharmacovigilance session.
The initiative underlined the Clinical Research Unit’s dedication to ensuring drug safety and building healthcare capacity in remote and rural areas. By combining training and service delivery, it demonstrated a model for holistic community engagement.
