MOH CALLS PUBLIC TO REPORT SIDE-EFFECTS OF MEDICINE IN CONJUNCTION WITH #MEDSAFETYWEEK 2025

PUTRAJAYA,  Nov 8  (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) has called on the public and healthcare workers to play an active role in reporting side effects of medicine in conjunction with the annual #MedSafetyWeek 2025 campaign, aimed at ensuring the continued safety of medicines in Malaysia.

Held from Nov 3 to 0, the campaign is coordinated by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and forms part of a global initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

This year’s campaign involves 130 organisations from 117 countries, marking the 10th anniversary of the international effort.

According to the MOH, the theme, ‘We can all help make medicines safer’, underscores that medicine safety is a shared responsibility among all parties, including healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and consumers.

“In addition to doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare workers, medicine manufacturers and consumers also play an important role in ensuring that the medicines used remain safe,” said the ministry in a statement today.

The ministry emphasised that monitoring medicine safety is crucial to ensure that products available in the market are both safe and effective.

The campaign also aims to raise awareness about the importance of identifying and reporting suspected side effects related to medicine use.

“All reports of side effects received will be analysed to detect potential new safety risks, such as previously unidentified side effects, or to determine appropriate risk mitigation measures,” read the statement.

In Malaysia, NPRA is responsible for collecting and evaluating each side effect report received, and appropriate action will be taken if a new safety concern is identified, ensuring that consumers continue to receive optimal benefits from medicines used.

According to MOH, health workers can submit reports through the Hospital Pharmacy Information System (PhIS) at MOH facilities or by sending a manual form to NPRA via email at fv@npra.gov.my, while consumers may report suspected side effects by consulting healthcare providers or submitting the Consumer Side Effect Reporting Form (ConSERF) directly via email or post.

“The public’s cooperation is greatly appreciated in ensuring that the country’s drug safety monitoring system remains effective and responsive to any new risks,” said the ministry.

Throughout the #MedSafetyWeek 2025 campaign, MOH encourages all parties,  including healthcare workers and consumers,  to jointly spread the message of medicine safety by using #MedSafetyWeek on social media platforms to raise awareness of the initiative.

-- BERNAMA