To commemorate World Patient Safety Day 2025, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, through its Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Gwalior, in collaboration with the National Pharmacovigilance Coordination Centre for ASU&H Drugs, All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, inaugurated a two-day National Symposium on “Pharmacovigilance – Shishu Suraksha: Rashtra Suraksha (Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child – Strengthening Pharmacovigilance in Ayurveda)” at LNIPES, Gwalior.

The symposium was inaugurated in the august presence of Prof. (Dr.) B.L. Mehra, Chairman, NCISM, New Delhi, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished dignitaries included Prof. (Dr.) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, Dr. N. Srikanth, Deputy DG, CCRAS, Prof. Galib R., AIIA, Prof. Bejon Kumar Mishra, Ministry of Ayush, Prof. Umesh Shukla, Govt. Ayurveda College, Bhopal, Dr. B.S. Sisodia, In-charge, RARI Gwalior, and Dr. Anil Mangal, Organizing Secretary. A commemorative souvenir was released on the occasion.

In his inaugural address, Prof. (Dr.) B.L. Mehra lauded CCRAS and RARI Gwalior for choosing a timely theme, emphasizing that pharmacovigilance is indispensable to ensure patient safety in AYUSH systems, especially for children. Prof. (Dr.) Rabinarayan Acharya traced the history and relevance of pharmacovigilance in Ayurveda, urging participants to remain vigilant about Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and to report them responsibly. Dr. N. Srikanth underlined pediatric safety, remarking that pharmacovigilance in children is not only a responsibility but also a moral obligation. Prof. Bejon Kumar Mishra highlighted patient rights and transparency in healthcare, while Prof. Umesh Shukla congratulated the organizers for focusing on the often-overlooked domain of pediatric drug safety.

For the first time, the symposium was granted NCISM-approved CME credit scores, formally announced in the presence of Prof. Sushrut and representatives of the State Ayush Registration Board. Over the course of eight scientific sessions, dedicated to pharmacovigilance in child health and Ayurveda practice, more than 28 research papers and 31 posters were presented by PG/PhD scholars, research officers, and faculty members. Eminent experts such as Prof. Vikash Medhi (PGI Chandigarh), Prof. Ravi Ambey (GMRC), Prof. Rajagopal (AIIA New Delhi), and Prof. Sudipt Rath (NIA Jaipur) enriched the deliberations with their insights on pharmacovigilance and patient safety.

The two-day event underscored the importance of safe drug practices, timely reporting of ADRs, and vigilance in pediatric care, reinforcing the message: “Shishu Suraksha: Rashtra Suraksha.” The symposium witnessed the participation of over 150 Ayurveda physicians, research scholars, and faculty members from across the country.

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(Release ID: 2168317)