Pharmacovigilance is the process of monitoring the safety of medications once they are on the market. It is an important aspect of healthcare in Nepal, as it helps to identify and address any potential risks or adverse effects associated with medications.
In Nepal, pharmacovigilance
activities are coordinated by the Department of Drug Administration (DDA) under
the Ministry of Health and Population. The DDA is responsible for collecting
and reviewing reports of adverse reactions to medications and for issuing
alerts and warnings as needed.
Healthcare professionals,
including pharmacists, are an important source of information for
pharmacovigilance in Nepal. They are encouraged to report any adverse reactions
or other safety concerns related to medications to the DDA. Patients and other
members of the public can also report adverse reactions through the DDA's
pharmacovigilance program.
In addition to collecting and
reviewing reports of adverse reactions, the DDA also conducts pharmacovigilance
activities such as risk management planning and benefit-risk assessments. These
activities help to identify and mitigate any potential risks associated with
medications and to ensure that the benefits of using the medication outweigh
any potential risks.
Overall, pharmacovigilance plays
a critical role in ensuring the safety of medications in Nepal. By collecting
and reviewing reports of adverse reactions and conducting risk management
activities, the DDA is able to identify and address any potential risks
associated with medications, helping to ensure the safety of patients and the
quality of healthcare in Nepal.