By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Healthcare professionals in Kwara State, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, have received specialised training to improve the monitoring and reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) which are the harmful unintended side effects of some drugs.
The initiative, organised by the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), was aimed at enhancing patients’ safety and ensuring the efficacy of medications.
The one-day training, held at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH) Seminar Room in Ilorin recently focused on equipping healthcare workers with the necessary skills to effectively contribute to Pharmacovigilance, which is the practice of monitoring the effects of medical drugs after they have been licensed for use.
State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Pharmacist Ndabo Nathan, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that all medical products are safe and of high quality for public use, noting that while no drug is entirely without side effects, the need to document and analyse the effects is crucial.
“By reporting adverse drug reactions, healthcare professionals are not only protecting their patients but also contributing to the overall safety of the drugs in circulation,” he added.
In his address, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, the Executive Secretary of the Hospital Management Bureau and also the Chairman of the occasion, highlighted the importance of extending Pharmacovigilance efforts to the in organised healthcare sector, where many adverse drug reactions often go unreported.
He urged doctors to include their names and contact information on prescriptions to facilitate follow-up by pharmacists, particularly in cases of adverse reactions.
Dr. Malik also advocated the adoption of electronic reporting systems to make the process more efficient and less discouraging for healthcare workers, emphasising that Pharmacovigilance is a critical public health approach to providing safe and effective healthcare in Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr Ahmed Bola Abdulkadir who was represented by the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Obalowu Ismail, described the training as long overdue, emphasising the need for NAFDAC to establish the necessary structure for proper monitoring and tracking of ADRs.
He called for more effective regulatory activities to ensure that ADRs are reported and addressed appropriately in hospitals across the State.
Speaking at the event, Pharmacist Elegbede Busayo, a key facilitator from UITH emphasizes the importance of the training in bridging the gap in ADR reporting, which has been a significant challenge in the healthcare sector.
She highlighted that many healthcare practitioners in Kwara State lack the expertise needed to report ADRs accurately, leading to underreporting and potential risks to patients.
The training, according to her, underscored the importance of continuous professional development for healthcare workers, stressing that up-to-date knowledge and skills in Pharmacovigilance are crucial for safeguarding patient’s health.
End