Iran emphasizes importance of pharmacovigilance and drug safety

Nazila Yousefi, Director General of the Office of Supervision and Monitoring of Health Product Consumption, emphasized that drug safety monitoring is a professional and ethical responsibility. Speaking regarding the importance of pharmacovigilance, she noted that the end of clinical trials and the entry of a drug into the market does not conclude a pharmaceutical company's responsibility regarding product safety and efficacy.

Yousefi stated that pharmacovigilance serves as a vital monitoring system for the health sector, capable of identifying small signs before they escalate into major issues. While infrastructure for reporting drug side effects and errors has been developed through the Food and Drug Organization, medical centers, and pharmaceutical companies, challenges remain. Specifically, there are issues with under-reporting and deficiencies in the registration, review, and feedback processes at various levels.

The second National Pharmacovigilance Conference has been organized to foster synergy among pharmaceutical companies and enhance the national pharmacovigilance system, allowing companies with integrated systems to share knowledge and experience.