IPC Launches 5th National Pharmacovigilance Week, Highlights India’s Global Role in ADR Reporting

New Delhi, September 18: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), functioning as the National Coordination Centre for the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (NCC-PvPI), inaugurated the 5th National Pharmacovigilance Week (NPW) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on Wednesday. This year’s campaign, themed “Your Safety, Just a Click Away: Report to PvPI”, will run from September 17–23 with a strong focus on patient safety and active reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), underscored India’s progress in pharmacovigilance, noting that the country now ranks among the top global contributors in adverse event reporting. “With the number of reporting, we ranked among the top contributors globally in reporting adverse events. Initiation of National Pharmacovigilance Week in the journey of Pharmacovigilance has changed the course of Pharmacovigilance,” he said.

Dr. Raghuvanshi emphasised that while healthcare professionals remain the primary source of ADR reports, greater patient participation is critical for meaningful impact. He urged a shift in outlook: “We need a culture of curiosity within organisations, not apprehension. Smart integration of technology and innovative approaches is the way forward.”

At the event, IPC launched a short film on PvPI, a multi-language pharmacovigilance comic, and a new QR-code-enabled online reporting platform to make ADR reporting more accessible. Awards were also presented to recognise excellence in pharmacovigilance. The PvPI – Patient Safety Excellence Award went to the ADR Monitoring Centre at Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Centre, Varanasi, while the PvPI – Patient Connect Award was given to Mr. Delli Kumar T. from Andhra Pradesh for his active contribution to ADR reporting.

Senior officials including Dr V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, IPC, Prof. YK Gupta, National Scientific Advisor, PvPI, and Dr Nilima Kshirsagar, former National Chair – ICMR were among those present.

The DCGI concluded by affirming that pharmacovigilance and IPC have now been placed “at the highest agenda of the country,” reflecting India’s growing emphasis on patient safety and responsible drug use.