Mediation Error and Patient Safety in India: Causes, Underreporting, and the Way Forward
Abstract: Medication errors are a major yet underreported threat to patient safety and healthcare quality, particularly in developing countries such as India. A medication error is defined as any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is under the control of a healthcare professional, patient, or consumer. These errors may occur at any stage of the medication-use process, including prescribing, transcription, dispensing, administration, monitoring, and patient use, and are frequently associated with failures in professional practice, healthcare systems, and communication. Due to a multitude of variables including a large patient load, shortages of staff, a dependence on handwritten prescriptions, a lack of health information technology, polypharmacy, and inadequate training, medication errors are a significant issue in India. According to research, a significant number of adverse drug events can be avoided, and pharmaceutical errors put a substantial clinical and financial burden on the healthcare system. Despite their seriousness, most drug errors remain underreported due to a lack of understanding, a fear of being held accountable, and lack of regulatory frameworks. Strengthening pharmacovigilance infrastructure, promoting a non-punitive reporting culture, and instituting standardized medication-safety procedures are all required to reduce preventable harm while bettering patient outcomes in India.
Keywords: Medication Errors, Patient Safety, Pharmacovigilance, Adverse Drug Events, Prescribing Errors, Administration Errors, India, Healthcare Quality, Error Reporting
How to Cite?: G. R. Radhika, "Mediation Error and Patient Safety in India: Causes, Underreporting, and the Way Forward", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1291-1294, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251217221518, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251217221518