The Ministry of Health and Social Development in collaboration with the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraging the safe use of pharmaceuticals as part of #MedicineSafetyWeek.

#MedSafetyWeek is being observed from November 4 to 10.  This year’s theme centres on the importance of using medicines in the right way to prevent side effects, and to report side effects when they do occur.

 Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Gracia Wheatley-Smith “Research shows that about half of all side effects are preventable. Patient safety is our top priority and during the #MedSafetyWeek campaign, we want to remind patients to take their medicines as instructed and healthcare professionals to review therapies before prescribing them.”

She further stated that “Medicines are used by millions of people to treat their illness. However, sometimes medicines can cause side effects. By using medicines correctly, we can drastically reduce the risk of side effects and severe harm. By reporting side effects when they occur, we can help make medicines safer for everyone.”

Regulators worldwide have reporting systems to monitor the safety of medicines.  In BVI, side effects can be reported by doctors, pharmacists, nurses and patients, using the adverse reaction reporting form.  The completed form should  then be emailed to the Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services at grwheatley-smith@gov.vg.   All reports are assessed and examined by the Office of Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services to determine the correct steps to protect medicine users in BVI from harm.

Reports are shared with regional and international agencies to be assessed with other reports from around the globe. According to the results upon analysis, recommendations are then made to improve the safety profile of medicines.

“It is easy to think only scientists or healthcare professionals can make medicines safer. As a medicine user, you – the patient – play a crucial part. Every time you report a suspected side effect to the Office of Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider, you help make medicines safer for patients all around the world,” Mrs. Wheatley-Smith advised.

 To learn more about #Medsafety Week email Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services at grwheatley-smith@gov.vg or call 468 9850.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to improving the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.