| Abstract: | Post-marketing surveillance is essential for providing additional safety information on drugs. In Hong Kong, a scheme to monitor ADRs was introduced in October 1986. It relies on voluntary reporting by hospital doctors and general practitioners of suspected ADRs. There appeared to be gross under-reporting as only 68 reports were received between 1986 to 1991. Although hospital-based studies have provided us with information on the pattern of and the risk factors for ADRs, spontaneous reporting on a national scale remains the only feasible and inexpensive method for monitoring ADRs. In order to increase reporting, we hope to convince the medical profession in Hong Kong of the importance in reporting ADRs and to make it easier for them to report. |
