Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice最新文献

{"title":"Early antibiotic review and AWaRe prescribing in respiratory infections before vs during COVID-19: a two-hospital retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Rasha Abdelsalam Elshenawy, Nkiruka Umaru, Zoe Aslanpour","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2719528","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2719528","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is essential for optimising antibiotic use and limiting antimicrobial resistance. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery, but its effect on early antibiotic review remains unclear. This study compared antibiotic review practices and prescribing patterns among hospitalised patients with respiratory tract infections before and during the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study was conducted across two acute hospitals within an NHS Foundation Trust in England. Adults aged 25 years or older admitted with respiratory tract infections and prescribed systemic antibiotics were included from 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (pandemic). Data covered review timing, stewardship interventions based on the CARES framework, and prescribing patterns according to the WHO AWaRe classification. Stratified systematic random sampling identified 640 patients: 320 per year and 160 per hospital annually.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median age was 78 years in 2019 and 79 years in 2020. Mortality was comparable (15.0% versus 15.6%; <i>p</i> = 0.83). Early antibiotic review at 48-72 hours was maintained across both periods (51.6% versus 50.9%; <i>p</i> = 0.87). However, Watch antibiotic prescribing increased significantly from 52% to 60% (<i>p</i> < 0.001), accompanied by reduced Access antibiotic use, while Reserve use remained restricted (3-5%). Among guideline-concordant prescriptions, de-escalation was the most frequent intervention (19-38%). Continuation without documented change increased from 7% and 9% in 2019 to 21% and 16% in 2020 at Hospitals A and B, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Early antibiotic review remained resilient during COVID-19 despite operational pressures. Nevertheless, increased Watch prescribing highlights the need for enhanced diagnostic stewardship and pandemic-resilient AMS infrastructure. Embedded review processes, multidisciplinary collaboration, workforce development, and digital stewardship tools may strengthen antibiotic optimisation during future healthcare disruptions. The contribution of pharmacists requires further investigation. These findings demonstrate that maintaining review frequency alone may not prevent broader-spectrum prescribing and support targeted strategies to improve documentation, promote Access antibiotics, and preserve stewardship quality during periods of pressure.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2719528"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13577274/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148977099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patterns of antibiotic use among adult patients across seven hospitals in Malawi: opportunities and challenges for antimicrobial stewardship programmes.","authors":"Adriano F Lubanga, Akim N Bwanali, Watipaso Kamanga, Sibongile Kondowe, Ellen Nzima, Annie Mwale, Enerico Chrisp, David Nyirenda, Steward Mudenda, Joseph Chizimu, Samuel Mpinganjira, Cynthia Chitule, Thomas Nyirenda, Collins Mitambo","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2719529","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2719529","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top threats to global health, with a disproportionately higher burden in low-and middle-income countries. It is largely driven by excessive and improper use of antibiotics. Optimising antibiotic use has been shown to curb the propagation of AMR. However, this requires data on pre-existing levels and trends of antibiotic use in the healthcare setting that would inform the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial stewardship programmes. Therefore, we carried out this point prevalence survey (PPS) to determine the current patterns of antibiotic use among adult patients across seven facilities in Malawi.We conducted a point prevalence survey using Global Point Prevalence survey forms across three secondary level and four tertiary level hospitals in Malawi between 30 September and 11 October 2024. The survey included all patients who were admitted before 8.00am on the days of data collection, and data were collected on the same day. Adult patient-level antibiotic use data were extracted from medical records using a modified Global point prevalence survey form. Data collected were entered into an Excel sheet and analysed using IBM SPSS version 26 using simple descriptive statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The survey included a total of 2050 patients across all Hospitals. Overall, antibiotic use was 41.0%, with the highest usage recorded in the Intensive care unit at 62.5%. Ceftriaxone was the most used antibiotic. The highest usage proportion was registered at Mangochi District Hospital (61.5%). The most common indication for antibiotic use was central nervous system infections. Most (74.2%) of the prescriptions were not accompanied by infection biomarkers. However, there was a good self-reported adherence to treatment guidelines.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The PPS shows rising antibiotic use across AWaRe classes, with more empiric treatments, highlighting the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship to prevent misuse, resistance, and reduced effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2719529"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13577294/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148977053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Access to essential medicines and vaccines among hard-to-reach populations in Tanzania: evidence from a cross-sectional study of artisanal miners, fisherfolk, and pastoralists.","authors":"Lawrencia D Mushi, Noel O Ogweyo","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2725474","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2725474","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite global efforts to improve equitable access to healthcare, underserved and mobile populations in Sub-Saharan Africa continue to face major challenges in obtaining essential medicines and vaccines. In Tanzania, Artisanal miners, fisherfolk, and pastoralists face high disease burdens, mobility, and geographic isolation, yet evidence on their access to essential medicines and vaccines remains limited. This study examined access to essential medicines and vaccines among artisanal mining, fishing, and pastoralist populations in Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in six selected districts of Manyara, Mara, and Geita regions, representing pastoralist, fisherfolk, and artisanal mining communities, respectively. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 280 conveniently sampled community participants and to 29 purposively selected pharmacists or drug dispensers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests with support of STATA software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Availability of essential medicines was limited, with 58.1% of participants reporting that they did not obtain all prescribed medicines during their most recent treatment episode. Vaccine availability was reported as always available by 65.0% of participants, while 24.6% were uncertain. Regarding affordability, 51.3% reported spending over TZS 10,000, 39.0% could not afford prescribed medicines. In terms of accessibility, 40.3% lived within 1-5 km of a health facility, and 62.8% lived within 1 km of a pharmacy or drug outlet. Acceptability indicators showed that 86.7% trusted healthcare providers and 81.7% adhered to treatment, while 59.3% lacked to the knowledge on identify counterfeit medicines. Overall, 92.0% reported improvement after treatment, and 31.0% of providers reported occasionally receiving complaints about the quality of the medicine.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While vaccine access appears well established, significant gaps remain in ensuring equitable access to essential medicines in these populations. Addressing supply chain inefficiencies, financial barriers, geographic constraints, and patient awareness, is critical for advancing equitable access and achieving universal health coverage.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2725474"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13577247/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148977069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Economic burden of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis in Malaysia: a multi-centre analysis of indirect costs.","authors":"Siew Chin Ong, Xin Qian Seah, Mustapha Mohammed, Mei Ee Tay, Latha Selvarajah, Wooi Chiang Tan, Sook Yee Michelle Voo, Yen Loo Ting, Jyh Jong Tang, Siti Nur Sharida Abd Kadir, Azura Mohd Affandi","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2719530","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2719530","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) constitutes a rare yet severe variant of psoriasis, characterised by extensive pustule formation on the skin and imposes a significant economic burden. The study aimed to investigate the indirect costs associated with GPP in Malaysia, encompassing patients' work productivity losses and out-of-pocket expenses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This primary, multicentre, cross-sectional cost analysis study was conducted among patients diagnosed with GPP attending public hospitals under the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Malaysia. The indirect costs were assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) tool and standardised data collection form. Data were statistically analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using IBM SPSS version 28.0.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 54 patients with GPP were enrolled in the study, with about one-fourth experiencing flares at the time of the interview. The total annual indirect cost associated with GPP was estimated at MYR 676,081 (MYR 12,520 per patient). The indirect costs of GPP were driven largely by work productivity loss. Both work and activity impairment were significantly higher during GPP flare periods compared to non-flare periods. Additionally, the annual work impairment cost per patient was substantially higher during GPP flare periods, indicating a marked increase in economic burden compared with the non-flare group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study demonstrates a substantial indirect economic burden of GPP, driven primarily by work productivity loss, particularly during acute flares. These findings highlight the broader socioeconomic impact of GPP beyond direct costs. Strategies to enhance patients' presenteeism, reduce absenteeism, and prevent unemployment are likely to have the greatest impact on reducing societal costs.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2719530"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13577270/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148977135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Over-the-counter antibiotic sales: a call for smarter stewardship rather than blanket restriction.","authors":"Carl Llor","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2709486","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2709486","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2709486"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13552328/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148911737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antibiotic utilization pattern and its associated factors based on WHO AWaRe classification at a university hospital in the South of Thailand.","authors":"Sukrit Sawangpon, Saowalak Intasarat, Husna Chehtae, Slinna Chanmanee, Aunchittha Piromrak, Tanavij Pannoi","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2707845","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2707845","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antibiotic overuse accelerates antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing a major global health threat. The World Health Organization (WHO) AWaRe classification promotes rational antibiotic use, recommending that at least 60% of antibiotic consumption belongs to the Access group. This study evaluated antibiotic prescribing patterns and factors associated with Watch/Reserve antibiotic use in a Thai tertiary hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study using longitudinal hospital databases (2021-2023) analyzed 28,892 antibiotic prescriptions from adult patients. Antibiotics were classified according to the 2023 WHO AWaRe framework. Antibiotic utilisation was quantified using Defined Daily Doses (DDDs), and generalised linear mixed-effects models were used to identify factors associated with Watch/Reserve versus Access antibiotic prescribing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Access antibiotics remained the predominant prescribing category, accounting for 69.2%, 58.9%, and 61.8% of prescriptions in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively, while Reserve antibiotics accounted for <0.5% annually. Watch antibiotic utilisation increased over time and exceeded Access antibiotics among hospitalised Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme (CSMBS) beneficiaries in 2023. Female sex, older age, and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index were independently associated with Watch/Reserve prescribing. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) beneficiaries had significantly higher odds of receiving Watch/Reserve antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although Access antibiotics predominated, increasing Watch antibiotic use highlights opportunities to strengthen hospital-wide antimicrobial stewardship. Routine AWaRe-based monitoring may facilitate benchmarking and promote more rational antibiotic prescribing across healthcare settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2707845"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13552329/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148911510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comment on 'A point prevalence survey on antibiotic dispensing practices identifies targets for quality improvement of antimicrobial stewardship in community pharmacies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania'.","authors":"Ayman M Mustafa, Shkar Mariwan Ahmed, Ari Jamal Hassan","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2715838","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2715838","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2715838"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528111/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety without the counter: transparency of online safety information for women's over-the-counter medicines across markets.","authors":"Samar J Melhem, Hamzeh Al Momani, Rimal Mousa, Eman Massad, Yazan Al Rashdan, Sameh Alzubiedi, Violet Kasabri, Rula Darwish, Nailya Bulatova","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2707406","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2707406","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The rapid expansion of e-pharmacy platforms has shifted over-the-counter (OTC) medicine selection from physical pharmacies to digital environments, where consumers increasingly rely on online product pages for safety-critical information. For women's health OTC products, this shift raises particular concerns due to pregnancy- and lactation-related risks, frequent self-care use, and reduced access to professional counseling at the point of purchase. Despite growing reliance on e-pharmacies, evidence on the completeness of online safety information across regulatory contexts remains limited.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional observational study assessed the transparency of safety information for women's health OTC medicines and supplements sold on licensed e-pharmacy platforms across seven markets (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia; United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar). Product pages were evaluated using a standardized 12-item transparency framework capturing essential safety elements. Comparative analyses employed nonparametric tests and multivariable regression to identify regional, platform-level, and product-related predictors of transparency.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 119 products were analyzed. The mean Transparency Score was 6.25 (SD 1.81) out of 12, indicating moderate completeness. Critical elements, including expiry date, batch or lot number, and drug interaction information, were rarely disclosed. While overall transparency differed modestly by region, warnings and precautions were significantly less likely to appear on Middle Eastern platforms. Independent or regional pharmacies demonstrated lower transparency than chain platforms. Pregnancy and lactation guidance was inconsistently provided outside pregnancy-specific categories.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Licensed e-pharmacy platforms frequently provide incomplete safety information for women's health OTC products, with meaningful variation by market region, platform type, and availability of supplementary digital resources. Transparency deficits are embedded within regulated digital pharmacy systems rather than limited to illicit sellers. These findings underscore the need for harmonized regulatory standards, mandatory digital safety disclosures, and strengthened platform accountability to support safe, informed self-care in online pharmacy environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2707406"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528127/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Expanding OTC medicine access in non-pharmacy settings for self-medication: a scoping review.","authors":"Adin Hakim Kurniawan, Rani Sauriasari, Agusdini Banun Saptaningsih, Rudi Safarudin, Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman, Atika Wahyu Puspitasari","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2701915","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2701915","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In recent years, OTC distribution has expanded into non-pharmacy retail settings, with 19 of 30 European countries permitting non-pharmacy OTC sales. This may increase accessibility and promote self-medication, but it also creates risks of misuse, overdose, and greater retail market concentration. Therefore, countries have adopted various regulatory mechanisms to balance accessibility with patient safety. This scoping review aimed to examine the global regulatory models governing OTC dispensing and distribution at non-pharmacy retail settings, with particular emphasis on regulatory mechanisms influencing availability and accessibility.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted following the PCC framework and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidance. Literature published between January 2015 and August 2025 was identified through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and citation searching. Eligible studies were selected through systematic screening and synthesised using thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The search identified 295 studies, followed by the removal of 15 duplicates. After screening 280 unique studies, 8 met the inclusion criteria. Data from empirical studies and regulatory documents were synthesised. Three major themes were identified; the first was regulation and supervision, including medication classification, dispensing, pack-size limits, age restrictions, and oversight mechanisms. The second was self-medication and consumer behaviour, showing convenience-driven purchasing and limited risk awareness. The third was deregulation and service system changes, indicating expanded access through supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms, alongside concerns about safety and shifting market dynamics.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This scoping review indicates that deregulation, particularly in regions with limited healthcare access, enhances availability of medications and facilitates self-medication. Risk-based governance relies on safety-based classification, which establishes dispensing restrictions and determines where and how products may be accessed. These safeguards are further supported by controls such as pack-size limitations, mandated personnel qualifications, regulatory oversight, and consumer education to promote safe usage.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2701915"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13455694/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148706843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The evolution of pharmacovigilance system in Bangladesh: present landscape and strategic priorities.","authors":"Bulbul Ahamed, Rabia Hussain","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2711325","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2711325","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent a significant public health issue, substantially contributing to preventable morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures globally. Pharmacovigilance is important for protecting public health and ensuring safe and effective medicine use, especially in low- and middle-income countries where regulatory systems are still developing. Bangladesh has achieved significant advancements in developing a national pharmacovigilance framework under the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), which includes the establishment of an Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring (ADRM) cells, involvement in the World Health Organization Programme for International Drug Monitoring, and the introduction of national pharmacovigilance guidelines. Despite these efforts, Bangladesh's pharmacovigilance system is still in its infancy and faces a number of challenges, such as significant underreporting of ADRs, a lack of awareness and training among healthcare professionals (HCPs), insufficient enforcement of regulations, inadequate technology infrastructure, and weak stakeholder coordination. The commentary will narrate the current status of pharmacovigilance in Bangladesh, identify the key challenges and potential areas for strengthening the system.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2711325"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13449432/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148689329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}