To mark World Patient Safety Day 2025, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, organized a two-day National Symposium on “Pharmacovigilance – Shishu Suraksha: Rashtra Suraksha” (Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child) in collaboration with the National Pharmacovigilance Coordination Centre for ASU&H Drugs, All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi. The event was held at LNIPES, Gwalior, and hosted by the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Gwalior.
The symposium was inaugurated in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) B.L. Mehra, Chairman, NCISM, as Chief Guest. Other notable attendees included Prof. (Dr.) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS; Dr. N. Srikanth, Deputy DG, CCRAS; Prof. Galib R. from AIIA; Prof. Bejon Kumar Mishra, Advisor, Ministry of Ayush; Prof. Umesh Shukla, Govt. Ayurveda College, Bhopal; Dr. B.S. Sisodia, RARI Gwalior; and Dr. Anil Mangal, Organizing Secretary. A commemorative souvenir marking the occasion was also released.
In his address, Prof. Mehra applauded the focus on pharmacovigilance in pediatrics, calling it a critical aspect of patient safety in the AYUSH system. He emphasized that with growing use of Ayurvedic medicines, ensuring their safe use—especially among children—is crucial. Prof. Acharya traced the history and importance of pharmacovigilance in Ayurveda and encouraged responsible reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). Dr. Srikanth stressed that pharmacovigilance in children is not only a technical requirement but also a moral duty.
Other speakers, including Prof. Bejon Mishra, highlighted patient rights, transparency, and accountability in healthcare. Prof. Umesh Shukla commended the organizing team for spotlighting the often-neglected area of pediatric safety in traditional medicine.
A major highlight of the event was the NCISM’s official approval of CME credit scores for the symposium, announced in the presence of Prof. Sushrut and State Ayush Registration Board representatives.
The scientific sessions included eight expert-led panels, during which 28 research papers and 31 posters were presented by postgraduate scholars, researchers, and faculty. Eminent experts like Prof. Vikash Medhi (PGI Chandigarh), Prof. Ravi Ambey (GMRC), Prof. Rajagopal (AIIA), and Prof. Sudipt Rath (NIA Jaipur) shared key insights on and the need for integrated vigilance across Ayurveda practices.
Over 150 participants, including Ayurveda physicians, researchers, and academicians from across India, attended the symposium. The two-day event emphasized the importance of drug safety in pediatric care and reinforced the message that “Shishu Suraksha is Rashtra Suraksha”—protecting every child ensures the protection of the nation.
