The International Society of Pharmacovigilance (ISoP), at its 20^th ISoP Assembly in Oman announced the opening of the ISoP South Asian Chapter. This move will help engage with stakeholders in all the countries namely India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan, who are part of the chapter.

In a statement issued by ISoP, it spelt out the areas where they plan to engage namely, to initiate, encourage and support the Pharmacovigilance education and research in all health profession courses. Support the existing Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI). Establish or strengthen the Pharmacovigilance systems in South Asian countries. Bringing together the Pharmacovigilance systems in South Asia countries to cooperate and collaborate in identifying the safety signals of medications in these countries. Improve the industry, academia, and regulatory collaboration for monitoring the safety of medications and vaccines in particular Percolate the activities of ISoP in South Asian countries by means of meetings, symposia, workshops, conferences, and training programs and finally to publish the scientific papers and periodicals on important aspects of Pharmacovigilance activities in South Asian countries

The note further added that India as one of the most desirable destination/hub for outsourced PV activities with more than 7000 PV professionals working as SMEs in PV domain, can rightfully take the lead role to be the torch bearer and mentor to the other four countries in this Chapter.