Adverse reaction assessment in Thailand

In Thailand, 5 years ago, the Ministry of Public Health set up the National Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center for collecting, analysing and compiling all evidence related to drug hazards. Between March 1983 and December 1985, 790 reports on adverse drug reactions have been received, of which 711 could be analysed. Adverse drug reactions are commonly reported with the antibiotics, other anti-infective agents, analgesics and antipyretics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Most of the reported reactions are related to skin reactions and gastrointestinal disorders. It is unquestionable that such voluntary reporting is more useful qualitatively than quantitatively. Even though there are a lot of problems facing us in assessing adverse drug reactions, it is a necessity to have the programme running and improving as time goes by. There is an urgent need for well-trained personnel to perform such tasks.