COIMBATORE: The Pharmocovigilance Committee (PC), Coimbatore Medical Center and Hospital (CMCH), which receives and compiles reports of adverse side effects of drugs suffered by patients in Coimbatore, got 80 complaints in the last three months.
The committee receives reports from doctors in each of the departments and forwards them to the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The IPC, with headquarters in Ghaziabad, after getting the reports, collates the information and submits it to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Central Drugs Standards Control Organization (CDSCO). The CDSCO then has the authority to recall the drugs in question.
Speaking to Express, S Muthukumar, a doctor and Technical Associate (CMCH), said the PC had been working since 2010, though it has become more active since five months. Patients who suspect they suffered adverse effects from a drug can call the IPC toll free number (1800-180-3024) where the contact details and location of the patient wil be noted. The IPC then gets in touch with the local PC which is nearest the patient and provides the contact details.
A report on the drug used by the patient and also the adverse reactions observed are then compiled by the committee. Muthukumar said the IPC had over 180 members across the country with whom it was coordinating to study the adverse reactions to certain drugs.
Many private hospitals and medical centers are also members of the IPC and report to the body through their own committees.