CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Under the guidance of AIIMS Bhopal Executive Director Dr. Ajay Singh, the Pharmacology Department enthusiastically organized its Foundation Day celebration. The event highlighted the department’s achievements and its initiatives aimed at promoting the safe and scientific use of medicines.
Dr. Balakrishnan S., Head of the Pharmacology Department, presented the annual report and outlined the department’s major accomplishments over the past year. He emphasized the department’s active role through various initiatives such as Pharmacovigilance (drug safety monitoring), Materiovigilance (medical device safety monitoring), Prescription Audits, Outreach Activities (public awareness programs), and the National PharmQuiz (knowledge competition).
Among the notable highlights for 2025 were the successful hosting of the international conference SoPICON 2025, the release of the department’s first newsletter, and 30 oral and poster presentations. Ajay Shukla and Ahmed Najmi from the department were honored for their intramural projects. Prof. Shilpa Kaur received the first prize for her oral presentation at Amity University, Gwalior, in 2024. Dr. Rishika was awarded the ICMR Award for her thesis, and Dr. Gokul received an intramural grant for his research.
Faculty member Prof. Ratinder Jhaj was invited to deliver a lecture on Eco-Pharmacovigilance at ISoP 2024 in Canada. Dr. Shubham Atal was invited to speak on Precision Medicine in Depression at Harvard Medical School, Boston. The department also made academic advancements, with an increase in Ph.D. scholars and DM Clinical Pharmacology enrollments. Dr. Balakrishnan also outlined new goals for the upcoming year.
On this occasion, Prof. Singh stated, “Such events play a crucial role in fostering scientific thinking among young medical professionals and in encouraging rational prescription practices. The role of pharmacologists is vital in ensuring patient safety and effective treatment.”
The keynote speaker, Dr. Vikram Gota (Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tata Memorial Centre), delivered a significant lecture on “Clinical Pharmacologists – Transforming Cancer Care.” He discussed the role of pharmacologists in cancer treatment and future possibilities. A highly interactive session with undergraduate and postgraduate students followed the lecture.
The event witnessed participation from faculty members, resident doctors, researchers, undergraduate students from the institute, as well as attendees from various medical colleges across the state.
