NBMC Hospital to Form Pharmacovigilance Committee for Safety
North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMC) is set to establish a Pharmacovigilance Committee to ensure better patient safety and treatment quality. This new committee will monitor the dosage of medicines and injections given to patients, track potential overdoses, and identify side effects caused by medications. The initiative aims to address concerns regarding the unnecessary prescription of expensive tests and medicines, ensuring patients receive safer care at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital.
Focus on Patient Safety and Monitoring
NBMC Hospital Superintendent Dr. Kaushik Ishwar stated that the committee will be formed according to government guidelines. Currently, the hospital sees an average of four thousand patients in the OPD daily, with about 1,200 patients admitted as indoor patients. The committee will regularly monitor the dosage and potential side effects of all drugs and injections administered to these patients to prevent any adverse reactions or medication errors.
Committee Structure and Responsibilities
The committee will include the Medical College Principal, the Hospital Superintendent, and heads of departments such as Medicine, Pediatrics, and Pharmacology. Members will review prescriptions for indoor patients and analyze data collected during surprise visits to the outpatient department. This oversight is designed to ensure that high-dose injections and antibiotics are used correctly, and any signs of toxicity or negative reactions are addressed immediately.
Training and Staff Guidance
In addition to monitoring, the committee will provide regular training and guidance to junior doctors and nursing staff regarding the correct use of medications, proper dosages, and necessary precautions. By strengthening the monitoring and training system, the hospital administration aims to reduce the risk of medication errors and improper drug use. This initiative is considered a vital step in enhancing medical services provided by interns and house staff at the institution.