BGS Medical College and Hospital Observes World Patient Safety Day with Comprehensive Medication Safety Program at BGS Medical College and Hospital, Nagaruru
BGS Medical College and Hospital marked World Patient Safety Day on September 17, 2026, by hosting a comprehensive clinical program dedicated to advancing medication safety and enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery. Organized by the Department of Clinical Pharmacology in collaboration with the Department of Pharmacy Practice from M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, the event brought together academic experts, hospital leadership, and frontline clinical staff to address critical safety protocols. The initiative was led by distinguished resource persons Dr. Saraswathy G. R., Professor and Head of Pharmacy Practice at MSRUAS, and Dr. A. Pramod Kumar, an Associate Professor with extensive expertise in pharmacovigilance and former leadership roles within the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India.
The proceedings commenced with a strategic meeting with the Dean, who authorized a series of clinical audits and ward observations aimed at identifying opportunities for systemic improvement. During a specialized session within the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, experts discussed the future of research collaborations, specifically focusing on pharmacogenomics and clinical metrics. Dr. Pramod Kumar emphasized the necessity of strengthening Adverse Drug Reaction reporting by standardizing documentation with generic drug names. Furthermore, the leadership explored the feasibility of establishing dedicated Drug and Poison Information Centres to provide real-time toxicological guidance and therapeutic support for complex cases.
A significant portion of the day was dedicated to comprehensive ward rounds across critical departments, including Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Intensive Care Unit. Led by senior nursing leadership, the visiting team evaluated medication storage, crash cart organization, and emergency protocols. Key recommendations emerged regarding the segregation of high alert medications and the implementation of rigorous stock registers to track expiration dates. In the intensive care settings, the experts advocated for the adoption of standardized handover protocols, such as spell check and loud check procedures, to eliminate communication errors during shift transitions. The team also highlighted the importance of preventing patient access to bedside medications to mitigate the risk of self medication errors.
The event culminated in an educational seminar held at the MEU Hall, attended by over fifty nursing professionals and clinical faculty members. Dr. Malini S., Head of Clinical Pharmacology, and the Nursing Superintendent opened the session by reinforcing the institutions commitment to an evidence based safety culture. Dr. Saraswathy G. R. conducted an interactive, scenario based workshop that utilized the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention framework to categorize and analyze clinical risks. This training provided staff with practical strategies for error prevention and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program concluded with the formal recognition of the visiting faculty, marking a successful step toward integrating advanced pharmacovigilance practices into daily hospital operations.
