Abstract:
Title:
Insight among the general masses about the Pharmacovigilance Program of India (PvPI)
Collaborating Team: Aqsa Athar, Daniyal Ali, Mohammad Roohan, Nisha, Kulsum, Sophia, Malik Hayat Hashmi, Sadia Ayub, Gufran Ali, & Syed Ziaur Rahman
Introduction:
Drug therapy is an integral part of medical management. It offers health benefits but side effects and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are some of its major disadvantages. To detect and spontaneously report ADRs and ensure the drug safety, Pharmacovigilance Program of India (PvPI) was initiated in India in 2010 under the aegis of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Our project is one of the constituents of PvPI with an objective to determine the reporting culture and awareness of ADRs. Every year, many patients suffer from severe and even deadly adverse effects of medications, often mistaken for disease symptoms. The primary reason is the lack of knowledge and awareness among people about medications and potential ADRs. Although there have been improvements after the launch of PvPI, but much more needs to be done to facilitate spontaneous reporting and awareness about the possibility of ADRs, especially in making it accessible to the general public. This project aims to enhance public awareness and reporting of ADRs through a comprehensive study consequently the development of an accessible Android-based app for consumers.
Method:
A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting mainly consumers and patients. A questionnaire was designed in consultation with experts from ADR Monitoring Centre (AMC) of JNMC incorporating both closed and open-ended questions to know the comprehensive understanding of awareness, practices, and attitude (KAP) towards ADRs among the targeted audience with a sample size of 250. The survey was carried out in medical OPDs, IPDs and Wards of JNMC, and residential areas within Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. Special care was taken for quality data, and statistical analysis was later on conducted. These observations will be used to develop targeted educational interventions and awareness programs aimed at improving ADRs reporting rates among consumers. Additionally, an application for ADRs reporting will be created with the help of experts to make the process easy and accessible to everyone, thereby enhancing patient safety and public health.
Expected Results:
The findings will be disseminated through academic publications, conferences, and community outreach programs. By sharing the results with healthcare providers, policymakers, and the general public, we aim to foster a culture of proactive ADRs reporting and enhance overall patient safety. The
results of this study will have the potential to significantly impact public health by empowering consumers with the knowledge needed to recognize and report ADRs effectively. By identifying knowledge gaps and promoting proactive reporting, we strive to improve patient safety and support the objectives of the PvPI.
Acknowledgement: The team acknowledges the financial support from the American Society for Science, Engineering and Technology (ASSET), USA
December 28, 2025