Perspective Chapter: Constant Need for Pharmacovigilance Improvement in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a county in South-East Europe with a complicated political structure. This political division led to a late formation of a national governing body on medicines and medical devices, as well as pharmacovigilance. Pharmacovigilance is currently under the jurisdiction of the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices and its National Pharmacovigilance Office in Mostar. Looking at the organized pharmacovigilance systems in neighboring countries, recommendations for improving the pharmacovigilance system can be found. Such changes will result in significant improvements in public health and patient safety. When the pharmacovigilance system is efficient, it enables early identification and assessment of risks associated with the use of drugs. This leads to faster withdrawal or replacement of harmful drugs from the market, reducing the risk of serious side effects and potentially fatal outcomes. In addition, an improved system of pharmacovigilance promotes the confidence of patients and health professionals in the safety of medicines, which is essential for successful treatment. Education and training of healthcare workers on the importance of reporting side effects and the use of advanced technologies for data collection and analysis also play a key role in strengthening the system. The implementation of these measures will contribute to the creation of a safer health environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina.