Pharmacy in India (representative image), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
The government approved a new Biovigilance Programme of India alongside the launch of the 7th National Formulary of India.
Under the programme, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission will monitor adverse events linked to medicines and biological products.
It also covers products used in organ and tissue transplantation.
The launch was held on September 21 in New Delhi by Minister of State Anupriya Patel.
Officials said the initiative is meant to widen India’s patient-safety net.
The launch took place during the 6th National Pharmacovigilance Week campaign.
The 7th edition of the NFI features 34 chapters, 20 appendices and 653 drug monographs.
It also includes 42 fixed-dose combinations and 30 immunological products.
The National Formulary of India is a reference publication containing standard information on medicines used in the country.
It is designed to assist doctors, pharmacists, healthcare professionals, teachers and students in the appropriate use of medicines.
The 7th edition has been made available digitally through NFI Online.
The digital version links to information on National Health Programmes, immunisation schedules and Jan Aushadhi.
It also includes guidance on the safe disposal of unused or expired pharmaceutical products.
Alongside the NFI launch, the government approved a new Biovigilance Programme of India.
Under the Biovigilance Programme, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission will strengthen reporting, assessment, monitoring and prevention of adverse events linked to medicines and biological products.
The Biovigilance Programme also covers products used in organ and tissue transplantation, including those administered to donors and recipients.
The initiative is intended to widen India’s overall patient-safety net.
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission is the national body responsible for setting standards for drugs manufactured and sold in India.
Pharmacovigilance refers to the science of detecting, assessing and preventing adverse effects associated with medicines.
The National Pharmacovigilance Week campaign is held annually to raise awareness about reporting adverse drug reactions.
Pharmacy in India (representative image), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
