The Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council has set up a Drug Information Centre (DIC) in Mumbai to help doctors and pharmacists get in-depth and focused drug information. The DIC will also be useful to the medical fraternity in monitoring adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by using powerful medical database so as to improve patient compliance. An important objective of DIC is to promote Rational Use of Drugs.

DIC is an established concept in clinical practice in most developed countries. The concept is only taking shape in India in recent years. Latest information is the key to prevent medication errors. Such information leads to Enhanced Quality of Patient Care and thus Improved Patient Outcome.

With rapid advancement in medical and biological science, there is a huge flow of information about new drugs and diseases. Access and authenticity to verify this vast information flow being limited, rational selection and utilization of drugs has been complex for the doctors and pharmacists. The conventional method of obtaining drug information is through the medical representatives and product literature provided by the manufacturers, which in many cases are incomplete or biased.

MSPC's centre is the third DIC in India and the first one in western region of the country. DIC would also serve the poor people, to bring down the burden of health problem on the society through continuous education. The DIC will also be assisting doctors and hospital pharmacists in updating new drugs emerging at international level, in different therapeutic areas.

DIC will respond to your queries on: (free service)
1. Drug or its Product Information/Identification
2. Contraindications/Safety
3. Adverse Drug Reactions/Drug Interactions
4. Efficacy/Treatment/Choice of drug
5. Pregnancy/Lactation/Pediatrics
6. Drug Profile/Indications/Dosage
7. Toxicology

Information furnished by DIC will be fully authentic and retrieved mainly from internationally reputed database (Micromedex's Drugdex, USA) and it will be delivered through any desired mode of communication. Drugs related queries can be sent by email, phone or post or in person and DIC will respond to it immediately.