CCRAS Hosts National Symposium on Shishu Suraksha 2025
RR Team
Gwalior, 19 September 2025 – To mark World Patient Safety Day 2025, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, organized a two-day National Symposium on “Pharmacovigilance – Shishu Suraksha: Rashtra Suraksha” at LNIPES, Gwalior. The event, held in collaboration with the National Pharmacovigilance Coordination Centre for ASU&H Drugs at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, focused on ensuring safe care for newborns and children in Ayurvedic practice.The symposium was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) B.L. Mehra, Chairman, NCISM, New Delhi, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Prof. (Dr.) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, Dr. N. Srikanth, Deputy DG, CCRAS, Prof. Galib R., AIIA, Prof. Bejon Kumar Mishra, Ministry of Ayush, and Prof. Umesh Shukla from Govt. Ayurveda College, Bhopal. Dr. B.S. Sisodia, In-charge, RARI Gwalior, and Dr. Anil Mangal, Organizing Secretary, were also present. A commemorative souvenir was released to mark the occasion.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Mehra emphasized that pharmacovigilance is essential to safeguard pediatric patients in Ayurveda and other AYUSH systems. Prof. Acharya highlighted the historical significance of pharmacovigilance in Ayurveda, urging responsible reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). Dr. Srikanth underlined pediatric drug safety as a moral obligation, while Prof. Mishra focused on patient rights and transparency. Prof. Shukla commended the organizers for highlighting pediatric safety, often an overlooked area in traditional medicine.
This year, the symposium awarded NCISM-approved CME credit scores for the first time, recognized in the presence of Prof. Sushrut and representatives of the State Ayush Registration Board. Over eight scientific sessions, 28 research papers and 31 posters were presented by PG/PhD scholars, research officers, and faculty members, covering pharmacovigilance practices in child healthcare and Ayurveda.
Eminent experts including Prof. Vikash Medhi (PGI Chandigarh), Prof. Ravi Ambey (GMRC), Prof. Rajagopal (AIIA New Delhi), and Prof. Sudipt Rath (NIA Jaipur) shared insights on improving pediatric pharmacovigilance, monitoring ADRs, and implementing patient safety protocols in clinical practice. The event witnessed active participation from over 150 Ayurveda physicians, research scholars, and faculty members nationwide.
The symposium reinforced the message: “Shishu Suraksha: Rashtra Suraksha” – emphasizing the importance of safe drug practices, timely reporting of ADRs, and vigilance in pediatric care. By promoting pharmacovigilance in Ayurveda, CCRAS aims to strengthen healthcare standards for children and ensure their well-being.
