HealthAugust 2, 2026

pharmacovigilance

far-moh-VIJ-uh-lens

Definition

The scientific discipline and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine-related problem.

Etymology

The word is a hybrid, combining 'pharmaco-' from the Greek 'pharmakon' (drug or poison) and 'vigilance' from the Latin 'vigilantia' (watchfulness or staying awake).

In the news

The article uses the term to describe a collaborative programme focused on monitoring drug safety. It highlights the importance of institutional oversight in ensuring medical treatments remain safe for patients.

AMU Pharmacology Department Observes ORS Week with Awareness Programme on Child Health

Read the full article ↗

India Education Diary

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