The 4th National Pharmacovigilance Week, held from 17th to 23rd September, 2024, was organized by the Department of Pharmacology, Narayana Medical College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, with the theme “Building ADR Reporting Culture for Patient Safety.” The event focused on raising awareness about the importance of reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) among healthcare professionals, patients, and the public.

Throughout the week, various activities were conducted to foster a culture of ADR reporting and ensure patient safety.

Day 1: Public Awareness via YouTube

The week kicked off with an online public awareness campaign using YouTube. Informative videos were uploaded, addressing the significance of ADR reporting and how it contributes to overall patient safety. This initiative helped reach a wide audience, including patients, caregivers, and the general public.

Day 2: Sensitization & Awareness Lecture for Healthcare Professionals

On the second day, a lecture was conducted to sensitize healthcare professionals about ADR reporting. The session aimed to increase awareness among doctors, nurses, and pharmacists on how and why to report adverse reactions, as well as the role they play in ensuring safer healthcare practices.

Day 3: Rally on ADR Awareness

A rally was organized to promote the awareness of ADR reporting among healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. Participants marched through key locations, distributing flyers and raising slogans to emphasize the importance of timely reporting of adverse effects.

Day 4: Awareness Survey via Google Form

A Google Form-based survey was circulated to collect feedback and gauge the public’s understanding of ADR reporting. The survey provided valuable insights into the level of awareness and identified areas that needed further attention.

Day 5: Pamphlet Distribution

On the fifth day, pamphlets were distributed in hospitals, clinics, and public places. These pamphlets contained easy-to-understand information about how and where to report ADRs, ensuring that even those with limited knowledge could participate in this crucial aspect of patient safety.

Day 7: Skit & Street Play

The week concluded with engaging skits and street plays, performed in public areas to demonstrate real-life scenarios of ADR reporting. These performances helped in connecting with a diverse audience and reinforced the message of reporting ADRs for safer healthcare.

Each of these activities played a key role in building awareness and fostering a culture of ADR reporting, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of patients. The 4th National Pharmacovigilance Week was a successful event that laid a strong foundation for continuous improvement in pharmacovigilance practices.