Pharmacovigilance: a neglected area of healthcare industry in Pakistan

Shiekh Kashif Rahim; Nasim Ilyas; Usman Nawaz; Zafar Iqbal; Muhammad Sajjad Abbasi; Asma abdul Qadeer

Abstract
Objective: To assess awareness about pharmacovigilance and hurdles in reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADR).
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Rawalpindi & Islamabad. The respondents were general practitioners and specialist doctors. A structured questionnaire was a self-developed, consisting of close-ended items was distributed to respondents by WhatsApp.
Results: A total of 100 questionnaires were considered for analysis, discarding 20 incomplete questionnaires. In this study, 60% and 40% respondents were general practitioners and specialists, respectively; 62% were aware about pharmacovigilance, 48.6% were aware of ADR reporting system in Pakistan, 44.5% opined that only serious ADR should be reported, and 14.8% believed that ADRs reported only for new agents. Although 57.5% of respondents observed an ADR, only 22% reported it. ADR reporting (compulsory 61%), (voluntary 15%), (compensated 9%), identity of prescriber (hidden 5%), and identity of reporter (hidden 9%).
Conclusion: General awareness about pharmacovigilance and reporting of ADR was very low. Increasing awareness and training would help improving pharmacovigilance. Additional measures such as online ADR reporting and displaying posters at workplace can also be beneficial.

Key words: Pharmacovigilance, acute drug reaction, Pakistan, pharmacist.

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