With a view to boost and strengthen the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) which acts as the National Coordination Centre (NCC) for PvPI recently upgraded its existing helpline facility for providing assistance in timely reporting of ADRs. This they attained by introducing the SMS acknowledgement service to help the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporters across the country through toll a free helpline number 1800 180 3024.

Through this initiative, the ADR reporters will be given requisite assistance in reporting ADRs whenever needed, which will further guide them in taking in immediate corrective measure to address the problem as per the gravity of the issue or ADR. To ensure prompt steps towards addressing ADRs, the NCC will be providing all kinds of information to the reporter like how to file an ADR in what and with whom to report the same effectively.

Earlier the area reporters used to file the report by calling on this number and later wait to be acknowledged, now with this upgradation they will instantly get assistance based on their queries by SMS. Dr V Kalaiselvan, principal scientific officer, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), informed that they have prepared a set of format to be sent to the reporters based on their queries like a general format, ADR format etc., which will be sent instantaneously to all the stakeholders as per their requirements.

“We have got tremendous proactive response from all the stakeholders, particularly pharmacists and other healthcare professionals as it will make ADR reporting a lot more hassle free. With this upgradation we will be able to send SMS acknowledgment and feedback to all the ADR reporters making it more user friendly. This would be essential, since proper feedback and acknowledgment for the stakeholders of PvPI gives and builds confidence,” Dr Kalaiselvan added.

Dr Shanthi Pal, medicines safety programme manager from WHO headquarter, Geneva, during her visit to IPC on 17 February, stressed that this is a proactive measure that will help in encouraging more ADRs, especially since it will acknowledge the reporter of their valuable contribution for the national programme of patient safety. She added that it will also acts as motivation for the ADRs reporters to further report more ADRs.