Best Practices in Pharmacovigilance: A Global Perspective
International Symposium
Event Overview
On January 17, 2023, the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST), Haripur, hosted an international symposium. Titled “Best Practices in Pharmacovigilance: A Global Perspective,” the event brought critical attention to drug safety in Pakistan.
Organization and Goals
Professor Dr. Azhar Hussain, Chairman of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, patronized the symposium. Dr. Naseer Ali Khan, the Project Director, informed attendees about the institution’s goals and significance. Prof. Dr. Arshad Hussain, the Director of Establishment, warmly welcomed all dignitaries. He also appreciated the symposium’s organization and pledged future support to the department.
Keynote Speeches and Discussions
Dr. Syed Rizwanuddin Ahmed, a keynote speaker from Washington, USA, delivered a comprehensive talk on drug safety. He emphasized the responsibilities of the pharma sector’s stakeholders. Mr. Ayyaz Kiani focused on pharmacovigilance in the medicine supply chain, stressing the need for collaborative efforts among regulatory bodies, academia, and the industry. Prof. Dr. Madeeha Malik highlighted the global contract research market’s potential in leading Pakistan’s pharmacovigilance system.
University’s Role and Future Directions
Prof. Dr. Azhar Hussain underscored the universities’ role in establishing a robust pharmacovigilance system. He suggested research collaborations, capacity-building courses, and industry-academia linkages as key approaches. Dr. Amna Saeed, the event’s moderator, announced that this symposium would be the first in a series aimed at promoting drug safety in Pakistan.
Acknowledgments and Awards
The event attracted stakeholders from the pharma sector, including officials from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, hospital pharmacists, and faculty from various universities. The symposium concluded with the distribution of shields to speakers and certificates of appreciation to the organizing committee members, recognizing their contributions to this successful event.