Medicines are designed to heal, but when consumed without expert medical advice, they can lead to severe physiological harm or even fatality. Recognizing the rising global concerns surrounding irrational drug use, the Department of Pharmacology at the Autonomous State Medical College (ASMC), Firozabad, organized a comprehensive public awareness initiative on August 30, 2025. The event was held under the esteemed guidance of Principal Dr. Yogesh Kumar Goyal and took place within the 100-bed hospital premises. Aligned with the international theme “2025-One Big Family, Inspired by Hope,” the programme served as a platform to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and community safety.
The Awareness Event
The programme was structured to
provide a multidisciplinary perspective on the hazards of self-medication &
drug overdosage. Senior medical experts addressed a large gathering of patients
and healthcare staff. In simple words, self-medication means taking the drug by
oneself without doctor’s advice. Today is an era of digitization (Digital
India), self-medication trend is escalating due to easy availability &
accessibility of internet everywhere. Though it saves patient time, work
absenteeism but it can affect patient’s health gradually.
Dr. Kirti Vishwakarma (Professor
& Head, Pharmacology) detailed the definition of drug overdose, the
mechanism of toxicity, and the specific dangers associated with
self-medication. She explained that every medicine is a double-edged sword. The
dose if appropriate can be a healer and if excess can be a life-threatening.
She emphasized how unsupervised consumption by taking medicine based on
anyone’s advice or an old prescription can lead to sudden organ failure, as the
liver and kidneys struggle to filter the excess substances.
Dr. Mukesh Sharma (Professor & Head, Community Medicine) highlighted that drug overdose is no longer just an urban problem. He presented data showing a rise in accidental overdoses within local communities, often due to a lack of awareness. His message focused on community-based prevention i.e. Family members should check the medicine cabinets of the elderly and youth to ensure no one is taking medication improperly. Medicines are to be kept at safe places in home so they are not easily available to children.
Dr. Manoj Kumar (Professor &
Head, General Medicine) provided a guide on how to spot an overdose in
progress. He described clinical manifestations, physical signs like extreme
drowsiness, shallow breathing, or blue-tinted lips. He emphasized that an overdose
is a medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation at a hospital.
Furthermore, he explained the vital role of mental health, noting that many people turn to
self-medication to cope with stress or pain, and true rehabilitation requires
emotional support, not just physical treatment.
Dr. Umar Bin Abdul (Professor & Head, Forensic Medicine) discussed the medico-legal responsibilities, clarifying that drug misuse often leads to complicated legal documentation and police inquiries and encouraged to see drug safety not just as a health choice, but as a legal responsibility to their families.
A core component of the event was the direct interaction with the
public. The distribution of educational flyers to patients and their attendants
was done. The event concluded with a collective call to action for responsible
drug use. By empowering the community with knowledge, the
Department of Pharmacology aims to reduce avoidable morbidity and mortality. This initiative underscores ASMC Firozabad's commitment to not only clinical excellence but also to its social responsibility in safeguarding public health.
Take home message
To protect our 'One Big Family', always prioritize the rational use of medicines by consulting experts instead of practicing self-medication, staying alert to the warning signs of overdose, and actively monitoring the medication of family members to ensure community safety. Proper storage of medicine in home is also the need so as to avoid accidental drug dosage especially in children.
Dr. Suruchi Prakash
(Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, ASMC Firozabad)
Dr. Ritu Yadav
(Senior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, ASMC Firozabad)