National Drug Authority Launches Drive To Promote Safe Use Of Medicine
The National Drug Authority- has launched a pharmacovigilance campaign to sensitize the community across the country on the safe use of medicine and also promptly report the adverse effects of vaccines and medicines.
The launch which attracted hundreds of people Ankole including health experts, was held at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV-in Bwizibwera Town Council, Mbarara district.
Dr. Julius Mayengo, an official from the National Drug Authority (NDA) said that people need to know the safe use of medicine for it will help in enhancing safety.
Pharmacovigilance helps in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medicines and to provide information concerning regulatory actions such as drug safety alerts, and labeling to provide information on the product, drug recalls, or withdrawal of drugs from the market.
During the drug sensitization event, Bwizibwera Health Centre IV was recognized for its outstanding performance in reporting the highest number of adverse drug effects across the country
Gerald Mbabazize, the Ankole Region Pharmacovigilance officer in the National Drug Authority, underscored the importance of reporting the adverse effects of drugs. He noted that it plays a big role in the healthcare system and urged the political leadership and other stakeholders to support the cause.
Abiaz Rwamwiri, the NDA Spokesperson cautioned the people against using unauthorized products, including energy drinks and sexual enhancement drugs.
He also emphasized the proper usage of drugs; urging the community to know the underlying conditions that develop as a result of taking some drugs.
The National Drug Authority established Pharmacovigilance systems for monitoring drug reactions by collecting individual case safety reports, collating the data, and providing information warning to healthcare providers. But Mbabazize said few people have responded to the systems, including health providers.
Reporting adverse drug reactions is done using the standard NDA form available on the NDA website, public/private health facilities, through pharmacovigilance centers, and alternative methods provided by NDA.
KARIM
