AIIMS Bhopal drives awareness on reporting drug side effects in rural Madhya Pradesh

A team from AIIMS Bhopal recently held an awareness drive to educate people about reporting medicine side effects. The campaign took place at a community health centre in Obaidullaganj, Raisen district. Organisers explained how public input helps uncover unknown drug reactions and improves patient safety. The event was led by the pharmacology department at AIIMS Bhopal, which also serves as a Regional Training Centre for drug safety monitoring. They worked alongside the department of community and family medicine to reach local residents. Participants learned that medicines can sometimes trigger allergies, dizziness, vomiting, or weakness.

The Pharmacovigilance Programme of India provides multiple ways to report adverse reactions. People can use a toll-free helpline, fill out consumer forms, or submit details via a mobile app. The app was highlighted as the simplest option, allowing patients to report issues from home without visiting a clinic. Officials stressed that quick reporting prevents others from experiencing the same harm. Data collected from citizens helps identify previously unknown side effects, leading to safer treatments.

The campaign aimed to make drug safety reporting more accessible to the public. By using helplines, forms, or the mobile app, patients can now share their experiences easily. This system ensures that potential risks are detected faster, reducing harm for future users.