Oran Hospital launches campaign on drug safety and reporting side effects

To mark the World Medication Safety Week, the 1st November 1954 Hospital in Oran has initiated a campaign to promote the reporting of adverse drug reactions. Professor Houari Toumi, head of pharmacovigilance, noted that approximately 8% of global deaths are linked to medication side effects and advocated for stricter oversight of pharmaceutical raw materials. Currently, most reports come from medical staff rather than patients. Meanwhile, pharmacologist Fatima Zohra Nadjet Mekaouich emphasized the importance of public involvement and warned against the risks of self-medication and uncontrolled use of alternative remedies, which can cause dangerous interactions, especially in diabetic or cancer patients.