History of Pharmacovigilance in India (1983-2022)

Abstract

The present paper covers the history of Pharmacovigilance in India. Earlier also, attempts were made to compile the history of Pharmacovigilance, but in bits and pieces. While writing the history of any episode, chapter, or section, one should not be biased and prejudiced. The discipline of Pharmacovigilance in India evolved with the contribution of many scientists, physicians, and administrators. Pharmacovigilance activities in India were started much before the initiation of National Pharmacovigilance Program of India (PvPI). This paper includes not only the settings of initiation of pharmacovigilance activities in India, but also how it evolved through training and teaching in medical and allied health science colleges. Precise details on the initiative of Pharmacovigilance for AYUSH drugs is also placed herewith. It has been tried to compile the entire history chronologically including the description of other sub-specializations of the discipline like human pharmacovigilance, veterinary pharmacovigilance, herbovigilance, cosmetovigilance, materiovigilance, haemovigilance for blood and blood products, and environmental pharmacovigilance