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 Convention Centre, New Delhi. The event is being observed from 17th to 23rd September 2025 under the theme “Your Safety, Just a Click Away: Report to PvPI.” The campaign aims to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, regulators, researchers, and patients about the importance of reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) through user-friendly digital platforms.
DCGI Highlights India’s Global Leadership in Pharmacovigilance
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), emphasized the crucial role of pharmacovigilance in safeguarding public health. He noted that India now ranks among the top global contributors in reporting adverse events. He said, “Initiation of National Pharmacovigilance Week has changed the course of pharmacovigilance in the country, ensuring stronger systems and better patient safety outcomes.”
Dr. Raghuvanshi underlined that while most ADR reports come from healthcare professionals, greater patient participation is essential for meaningful impact. He also urged better utilization of collected data to strengthen policies and frameworks.
Call for Innovation and Cultural Change in Pharmacovigilance
Highlighting the evolving healthcare ecosystem, Dr. Raghuvanshi stressed the need to adapt pharmacovigilance practices to new challenges. “We need to develop a culture of curiosity, not apprehension, within organizations,” he said, adding that technology integration and innovative approaches will play a key role in driving progress.
He also reaffirmed that IPC and Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) are now placed at the forefront of India’s national healthcare agenda, shaping policies that protect patients.
New Initiatives Launched to Boost Public Awareness
To mark the occasion, IPC announced several initiatives aimed at enhancing awareness and accessibility:
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Launch of a short film on PvPI to promote ADR reporting.
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Release of a pharmacovigilance comic in multiple vernacular languages, simplifying awareness for the general public.
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Introduction of a new online reporting platform with QR code access, making ADR reporting easier and faster.
Awards to Recognize Excellence in Pharmacovigilance
As part of the event, outstanding contributions were recognized through the PvPI awards:
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The Patient Safety Excellence Award was conferred on the ADR Monitoring Centre at Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Centre, Varanasi, for exemplary efforts in preventing ADRs.
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The Patient Connect Award was presented to Mr. Delli Kumar T. from Vikruthamala, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, for his active role in ADR reporting, underscoring the value of patient involvement.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by leading figures in the healthcare sector, including Dr. V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, IPC; Prof. Y. K. Gupta, National Scientific Advisor, PvPI; Dr. Nilima Kshirsagar, Former National Chair – ICMR and Vice Chancellor, MUHS; and Dr. Jai Prakash, Senior Principal Scientific Officer & Officer-in-Charge, PvPI – IPC.
Towards Safer Healthcare Through Vigilance
With initiatives like NPW, IPC continues to strengthen India’s position as a leader in pharmacovigilance, focusing on transparency, patient safety, and public engagement. The 5th edition of NPW reflects India’s growing commitment to build a robust, technology-driven ecosystem for ADR reporting and monitoring.
