History

Established as the Department Of Pharmacology in the year 1968.
  • The department was founded in 1968, under the leadership of Dr. A.R. Govinda Rao, a Yale University graduate with a master's degree in pharmacology.
  • In 1969, Dr.M.N. Guruswamy, who received his master's degree from Michigan University in the USA, assumed the chair.
  • When the department was elevated to become the Institute of Pharmacology in 1980, Dr. Lalitha Kameswaran served as the department's head from 1972 to 1982.
  • She was also referred to as the "First Director of Pharmacology". Dr. Santa Ramachandran oversaw the Institute from 1983 until 1988, when Dr. S. Narasimhan took over, and Dr. S. Vembar took over in 1990.
  • Dr.V. Vijayasekaran, who received his medical degree from Madras University, took his place as his successor.He was followed by Dr.S.Parvathavardhini, Dr.C.B.Tharani. During 2008 the Institute of Pharmacology has been elevated into Upgraded Institute of Pharmacology.
  • From 2009 we had Dr. R. Nandhini, Dr. K.M.S. Susila , Dr. R. Renukadevi and Dr. C. Ramachandra Bhat as Directors consecutively.
Memorable details of history about the Institute
  • 1969- Medicinal Chemistry Research center(MCRC) was established
  • 1975 - Clinical Pharmacology Unit was established
  • 1975 - approved by World Health Organization(WHO) as center for clinical studies on drugs for Filariasis
  • 1980 - promoted as Institute of Pharmacology
  • 2008 - endorsed as Upgraded Institute of Pharmacology
  • 2010 - approved as adverse drug reaction monitoring center under Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI)
  • 2021 - upgraded as Regional Training Center for Tamilnadu region under PvPI

Faculty & Residents

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Dr.R.Sudha

Director & Professor

I chose this field due to my passion for research in therapeutic aspects. I enjoy teaching Pharmacology for both Medical and Para Medical students and guided many research proposals. I have also held various administrative positions, including Vice principal in charge, General Warden and Dean of students at The Tamilnadu Dr. MGR Medical University. In 2018, I was honoured with the Best Performance State award. I aspire to continue providing my best service in future as well.

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Dr.K.M.Sudha

Professor

I primarily teach pharmacology to MBBS and MD students. My focus includes research ethics, good clinical practice, rational therapeutics, pharmacovigilance and medical education. I also mentor MD Pharmacology postgraduates and contribute to academics and research for holistic progress of my department and institution.

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Dr. S. Deepa

Associate Professor

I am passionate in advancing Pharmacological education for undergraduate and postgraduate learners, while actively mentoring research initiatives. My academic interests encompass Good Clinical Practice, Pharmacovigilance, Bioethics, Medical pedagogy, Clinical research, Prescription audit and Scientific committee review.

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Dr. A. Meeradevi

Associate Professor

I am passionate in teaching MBBS students to achieve great knowledge in the academics. I am a mentor and guide to MD pharmacology postgraduates in their research works. Also interested in the fields of ethics, good clinical practice, pharmacovigilance and rational prescription of drugs.

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Dr. S. Suganeshwari

Assistant Professor

With over a decade of teaching experience in educating medical, dental, and nursing students, passionately contribute to academic excellence for shaping future healthcare professionals through dedication and expertise. My professional journey combines a strong commitment to medical education with active participation in research, scholarly publications, and academic initiatives aimed at advancing pharmacology and clinical therapeutics. I also contribute to institutional ethical committee works, ensuring adherence to research integrity and ethical standards in biomedical research I received Meritorious Award (Memento and Certificate) during the Republic Day function at RGGGH, Chennai, on 26th January 2022.

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Dr. A. Subashree

Assistant Professor

Actively involved in delivering lectures and conduct practical sessions for undergraduate, postgraduate, BDS, Nursing and students pursuing Allied health Sciences courses. I also evaluate them on their academic progress and give feedback. I am also involved in research, Pharmacovigilance, curriculum development and administrative duties within the department.

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Dr. S. Gomathi

Assistant Professor

Interested in teaching, mentoring undergraduates & postgraduates in academics as well as their holistic wellbeing. I have worked in clinical trials, guided UG research projects and also part of our Institute’s Pharmacovigilance team. My key interests are Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Pharmacovigilance, Clinical trials, Academic teaching.

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Dr. G. Dharani Sudha

Assistant Professor

Dedicated to teaching MBBS, postgraduate, BDS, Nursing students. With a focus on clinical relevance and student engagement, am keenly interested in bridging theoretical knowledge and practical application, making pharmacology both accessible and impactful in medical education. Key interests are Pharmacovigilance, Research methodology & Ethics.

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Dr. A. Vinoth Kumar

Assistant Professor

With a strong foundation in clinical and experimental pharmacology, I am dedicated to advancing medical education and research. My academic interests include drug safety, pharmacovigilance, and evidence-based medicine. I am passionate about mentoring future healthcare professionals and contributing to the ever-evolving field of medical science through teaching, research, and collaboration.

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Dr. A. Anandhalakshmi

Senior Resident

Dedicated to uphold academic excellence and contribute for institutional development and research. Keen on integrating Pharmacology with evolving therapeutics, ensuring students to understand its clinical relevance in patient care. My core interests are Therapeutics in Chronic diseases, Neuropharmacology, Drug interaction studies & Rational therapeutics.

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Dr. A. Renuka

Senior Resident

I actively engage in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students, delivering lectures on key subjects in Pharmacology and mentoring students in research methodology and critical analysis of scientific literature. I encourage the students to contribute to the research advancements in this field.

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Dr. G. Selvam

Senior Resident

A hardworking and an enthusiastic person, I am interested in student lectures and guiding for practical sessions for both undergraduates and postgraduates and involved in evaluating and mentoring the students. I actively participate in all continuing education programmes.

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Dr. N. Anitharaj

Senior Resident

Actively engaged in academics and research. Passionate about teaching and mentoring undergraduates and post graduates. Interested in interactive teaching methodologies. Involved in administrative works and in framing Institutional Drug formulary.

S.No Name of the Residents joined in the year 2022 Name of the Residents joined in the year 2023 Name of the Residents joined in the year 2024
1 Dr. Pratheep Kumar . A Dr. Kiranya . R Dr. Kousalya Baskar
2 Dr. Anbarasi . B Dr. Surya . V Dr. Atchaya . A
3 Dr. Vishnavi . K Dr. Keerthana . T Dr. Ramya . S
4 Dr. Vijayalakshmi . K Dr. Saravanan . S Dr. Meena . P

Facility & Clinical Care

RECENT ACTIVITIES OF PHARMACOVIGILANCE CENTRE, INSTITUTE OF PHARMACOLOGY
  • The Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) monitoring center in Institute of Pharmacology was started in 2010 under the leadership of PvPI ( PHARMACOVIGILANCE PROGRAMME OF INDIA).
  • The Adverse Drug Event (ADR)Monitoring Centre attached to the Institute was upgraded as the Regional Training Centre (RTC), PvPI ( PHARMACOVIGILANCE PROGRAMME OF INDIA) in October 2021.
  • The ADR Monitoring Centre Of Institute Of Pharmacology has joined hands with PvPI in reaching its goal to ensure patient safety since 2010.
  • As the Regional training centre, the Pharmacovigilance centre mainly emphasis on collection and reporting of adverse drug reactions by training the health care professionals and sensitizing the public about the adverse drug reactions.
  • After becoming the Regional Training Centre (RTC), PvPI ( PHARMACOVIGILANCE PROGRAMME OF INDIA), the Institute conducted the first training programme on “Essentials Of Pharmacovigilance Towards Patient Safety” on 10th February 2022.
  • Prof. Dr. K.M.Sudha ,the co ordinator-PvPI , was one of the speakers in the programme. After the successful conduct of this programme which was attended by 256 health care professionals from various medical colleges throughout our state , the Institute under the able guidance of its Director, Prof.Dr.C.Ramachandra Bhat, organized an “ADVANCED LEVEL TRAINING IN PHARMACOVIGILANCE” for the state of TamilNadu, on 27th April 2022 in hybrid mode.
  • Associate professor Dr.S.Deepa , Assistant professor Dr.S.Gomathi (Deputy Co Ordinator PvPI , MMC) and our Pharmacovigilance associate Mrs.S.Devipriya were speakers on various Pharmacovigilance topics in this training programme. Hundred and eight Pharmacovigilance coordinators, Deputy coordinators and Pharmacovigilance associates from various ADR monitoring centres throughout our state attended the training programme and got benefited.
  • The Pharmacovigilance committee of RGGGH headed by our respected Dean Dr.E.Theranirajan met on May 13th 2022 and it was attended by 12 members of the committee.
  • As per our Dean’ s suggestion, a Nodal officer(AP cadre) from each department was nominated to report adverse drug reactions from the concerned departments. On 4th June 2022, an orientation & training programme for CRRIs on Pharmacovigilance was held, in which MMC’s PvPI Co Ordinator Prof. Dr. K.M.Sudha highlighted on the significance of ADR reporting to the internship students of MMC.
  • The PHARMACOVIGILANCE committee meeting is being regularly held every 6months in Madras Medical College . The committee meeting is headed by THE DEAN of Madras Medical College and organized by The Co-ordinator of the PHARMACOVIGILANCE CENTER Prof.Dr.K.M.SUDHA.

Academic Forum

CME / CONFERENCE
S.NO Date CME / CONFERENCE – Title University / TNMSC Credits / both if present State or National level or institute level
1 18/09/2021 Bone Health and Osteoporosis TNMGRMMU – 10 credit points
TNMC – 2 credit hours
State
2 10/02/2022 Essentials of Pharmacovigilance towards patient safety TNMGRMMU – 5 credit points
TNMC – 1 credit hour
State
3 03/08/2022 Pharmacotherapeutics in Oncology - August 2022 TNMGRMMU – 10 credit points
TNMC – 2 credit hours
State
4 02/12/2022 ADR Reporting- Basics to Advanced TNMGRMMU – 5 credit points
TNMC – 1 credit hour
State
5 24/08/2023 Ethics in Biomedical Research – Recent Guidelines TNMGRMMU – 5 credit points
TNMC – 1 credit hour
State
6 30/11/2023 Pharmacovigilance - Clinical perspectives TNMGRMMU – 10 credit points
TNMC – 1 credit hour
State
7 27/11/2024 Pharmacovigilance- Clinical Perspectives in special population TNMC credit hours – 1 State level
8 02/04/2025 Breaking the chain of infection- role of antiseptics and disinfectants University credit points – 5 Institute level
WORKSHOP and TRAINING PROGRAMME:
S.NO Date WORKSHOP / TRAINING with Title University / TNMSC Credits / both if present State or National level or institute level
1 27/04/2022 Advanced level training in Pharmacovigilance NA State
2 10/05/2023 Advanced level training in Pharmacovigilance NA State
3 24/04/2024 Advanced level training in Pharmacovigilance Nil State level
4 25/04/2025 Advanced level training in Pharmacovigilance – Industry perspectives TNMC Credit hour – 1 Hour State level
QUIZ / COMPETITIONS
S.NO Date Quiz /competitions with Title University / TNMSC Credits / both if present Prizes awarded to a. Inter or Intra – Collegiate Level b. State or National level
1 24/02/2022 PHARMAZE Not applied Intra-collegiate level
2 03/08/2022 E-poster competition for faculties and PGs Not applied Inter-collegiate level
4 17/09/2022 B. Sc Nursing - Drawing competition – Pharmacovigilance Not applied S. Shankara Devi
Santhya. N
Sopna
Sruthika. M
Intra-collegiate level
5 21/09/2022 MBBS - Essay writing – Pharmacovigilance Not applied Intra-collegiate level
6 21/09/2022 MBBS – Drawing competition – Pharmacovigilance Not applied Intra-collegiate level
7 21/09/2022 BDS – Written Quiz– Pharmacovigilance Not applied Intra-collegiate level
8 22/09/2022 MD PGs- Essay writing – Signal Detection in Pharmacovigilance Not applied Dr. Vanitha Sheeba Intra-collegiate level
9 23/09/2022 MBBS - Team Quiz – Pharmacovigilance Not applied Intra-collegiate level
10 08/12/2022 PHARMAZE’22 Not applied Intra-collegiate level
11 19/09/2023 BDS Written Quiz – Pharmacovigilance Not applied Harshini
2nd Year BDS Student
Intra-collegiate level
12 20/09/2023 B.Sc Nursing – Drawing Competition – Pharmacovigilance Not applied Sivaranjini
Serisha
Sathyabama
Shalini
Sneha
Subashini
2nd Year Students
Intra-collegiate level
13 20/09/2023 B.Sc Nursing – Rangoli Competition Not applied Agalya
Aji
Anisha
Ashika
Arokiya Saleth
2nd Year Students
Intra-collegiate level
14 21/09/2023 MD PGs Essay Writing – Scope of Research in Pharmacovigilance Not applied Dr. A. J. Sharon Snehaa Intra-collegiate level
15 22/09/2023 MBBS Team Quiz - Pharmacovigilance Not applied Sunil Kumar
Sanjay
Vanshika Arya
Varun
MBBS 2nd Year Students
Intra-collegiate level
16 22/09/2023 MBBS - Essay writing – Pharmacovigilance Not applied Pragathi. R
MBBS 2nd Year
Intra-collegiate level
17 09/08/2024 MBBS Team Quiz – PHARMAZE 2024 Not applied Rahul. L, Amudhan, Ayisha
MBBS 2nd Year Students
Intra-collegiate level
18 13/06/2025 MBBS Team Quiz – PHARMAZE 2025 Not applied Aditya Sai Vittal
Agasthya
Harshavardhan
MBBS 2nd Year Students
Intra-collegiate level

OTHERS EVENT DETAILS
S.NO Date Other events with Title State or National level or institute level (with credit hours if applicable) Cost incurred in Rs. (can be dept /institute /company / sponsored)
1. 17/09/2023 to 23/09/2023 Pharmacovigilance week celebration Institute level
PvPI (Pharmacovigilance Programme of India)
Rs. 10,000 for prize distribution
2. 17/09/2024 to 23/09/2024 Pharmacovigilance week celebration Institute level
PvPI (Pharmacovigilance Programme of India)
Rs. 10,000 for prize distribution

Scientific Forum

Completed Projects
Ongoing Projects
Sponsored Projects
Publications

Awards & Achievements

S.NO Date/Month & Year Name of the Awards & achievements received Name of the awardee with designation District level / State level / National level Images
1 26/01/2021 COVID WARRIOR AWARD DR.G.ARATHI final year post graduate State View
2 26/01/2022 Meritorious Award (Memento and Certificate) Republic day function at RGGGH, Chennai Dr.R.Vishnupriya, MD., Assistant Professor Institute No Image
3 26/01/2022 Meritorious Award (Memento and Certificate) Republic day function at RGGGH, Chennai Dr.S.Suganeshwari MD., Assistant Professor Institute No Image
4 02/07/2022 Second prize for e-poster presentation MATVINS 2022 National Conference Dr.M.Arunmozhiselvan, Final Year Post graduate student. National No Image
5 02/07/2022 Third prize for e-poster presentation MATVINS 2022 National Conference Dr.M.NajmaSherin, Final Year Postgraduate student National No Image
6 02/07/2022 Special Jury award for e-poster presentation MATVINS 2022 National Conference Dr.K.Bharathy, DDVL., Final Year Postgraduate student National No Image
7 24/06/2022 First Prize ( Cash Prize of Rs.500) Govt.Kilpauk Medical College Online Quiz competition on Geriatric Pharmacology Dr.Vanitha Sheeba Gunaseela. N, DGO., First Year Postgraduate student State No Image
8 24/06/2022 Second prize (Cash prize of Rs. 300 Govt.Kilpauk Medical College Online Quiz competition on Geriatric Pharmacology Dr. Sharon Snehaa.A.J First Year Postgraduate student State No Image
9 24/06/2022 Third prize (Cash prize of Rs. 100 Govt.Kilpauk Medical College Online Quiz competition on Geriatric Pharmacology Dr. Nivetharaj. R First Year Postgraduate student State No Image
10 25/02/2023 Second prize (QUIZ) 52ND IPSCON 2023 MYSURU Dr. Sharon Snehaa.A.J First Year PG National No Image
11 15/08/2023 District Collector Award for Meritorious Dr. K.M. Sudha Professor District No Image
12 12/04/2024 Award of appreciation for journal publications - Research day award from MMC Dr. Meeradevi. A , M.D ., Associate Professor of Pharmacology Institute View
13 12/04/2024 Award of appreciation for journal publication - Research day award from MMC Dr. K. M. Sudha ,D.C.H ., M.D , Professor of Pharmacology Institute View
14 15/08/2025 Meritorious Award (Memento and Certificate) Independence day function at RGGGH, Chennai on 15/08/2025. Dr. S. Gomathi , MD., Assistant Professor of Pharmaclogy Institute View
15 04/04/2025 First prize in E- poster presentation at Thyronova National Conference 2025 Topic : Statins in Gynecological Cancer : A systematic review of their therapeutic potential and synergistic effects Dr. Keerthana . T , 2nd year Post graduate National View

Guests Lectures

Dr. Venkatesan serves as a Senior Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at MMC, specializing in clinical microbiology and diagnostic research. He actively engages in teaching, laboratory training, and contributes to advancing infection control practices and microbiological investigations.

Dr. Senthil Priyan highlighted the epidemiology of hypertension, recent updates in guidelines, and practical approaches to diagnosis and management. The session emphasized lifestyle modifications, rational use of antihypertensive drugs, and strategies for preventing complications, with a focus on individualized patient care. The lecture was highly beneficial to undergraduate and postgraduate students, residents, and faculty members, enhancing their knowledge and clinical skills in managing one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases.

Prof. Dr. Ragunanthanan shared his extensive expertise in toxicology, highlighting the epidemiology of snake bites in India, characteristic clinical manifestations of various envenomations, early recognition of systemic involvement, and evidence-based management strategies. The session also emphasized the rational use of anti-snake venom, management of complications, and the importance of timely intervention in improving patient outcomes. The lecture provided valuable insights for undergraduate and postgraduate students, residents, and faculty members, enriching their knowledge and skills in handling snake bite emergencies. The interactive session fostered discussion on real-world clinical challenges and practical approaches in toxicology and emergency care.

Dr. Gomathi Manju elaborated on the principles of fungal taxonomy, morphological and molecular approaches to classification, and their clinical relevance in medical mycology. The session provided an in-depth understanding of pathogenic and opportunistic fungi, aiding students in correlating microbiological concepts with clinical practice. The lecture was highly informative and interactive, benefitting undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, and faculty members by strengthening their academic foundation in medical microbiology.

Dr. Gayathri provided an insightful overview of pharmacoanalytical techniques, their role in drug development, quality assurance, and therapeutic monitoring. The lecture highlighted modern analytical methods, their applications in pharmacokinetics, bioequivalence studies, and regulatory perspectives. The interactive session enriched the academic understanding of undergraduate and postgraduate students, fostering interest in research and advancing their knowledge in applied pharmacology.

Dr. Anis Preethi discussed the clinical spectrum of cardiac arrhythmias, their diagnostic approach, and evidence-based management strategies. The session highlighted pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, recent guideline updates, and emergency management of life-threatening arrhythmias. The lecture was highly informative and interactive, benefiting undergraduate and postgraduate students, residents, and faculty members by strengthening their clinical acumen in cardiology and internal medicine.

Dr. Kesavan highlighted the etiological agents, pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, and antimicrobial resistance patterns associated with diarrhoeal diseases. The session emphasized the clinical significance of microbiological investigations in guiding appropriate therapy and public health measures. The lecture was highly beneficial for undergraduate and postgraduate students, residents, and faculty members, providing valuable insights into the integration of microbiology with clinical practice in the management of diarrhoeal disorders.

Dr. Pushpa Saravanan elaborated on the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and clinical implications of metabolic syndrome. The lecture emphasized lifestyle interventions, pharmacological management, and preventive strategies to reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risks. Current guideline-based approaches and practical case discussions enriched the session. The lecture was highly informative, benefitting undergraduate and postgraduate students, residents, and faculty members by strengthening their understanding of this increasingly prevalent lifestyle disorder.

Dr. Ezhil Kothai discussed the toxicological aspects of common poisons, their clinical manifestations, medico-legal importance, and evidence-based management strategies. The session also highlighted preventive measures, the role of forensic investigation, and the importance of timely intervention in poisoning cases. The lecture was highly educative and interactive, benefitting undergraduate and postgraduate students, residents, and faculty members by enhancing their knowledge in forensic medicine and clinical toxicology.

Success Stories

Success story 1
  • The Adverse Drug Event (ADR)Monitoring Centre attached to the Institute was upgraded as the Regional Training Centre (RTC), PvPI ( PHARMACOVIGILANCE PROGRAMME OF INDIA) in October 2021.
  • After becoming the Regional Training Centre (RTC), PvPI ( PHARMACOVIGILANCE PROGRAMME OF INDIA), the Institute conducted the first training programme on “Essentials Of Pharmacovigilance Towards Patient Safety” on 10th February 2022.
  • Prof. Dr. K.M.Sudha ,the co ordinator-PvPI , was one of the speakers in the programme. After the successful conduct of this programme which was attended by 256 health care professionals from various medical colleges throughout our state , the Institute under the able guidance of its Director, Prof. Dr.C.Ramachandra Bhat, organised an “ADVANCED LEVEL TRAINING IN PHARMACOVIGILANCE” for the state of TamilNadu, on 27th April 2022 in hybrid mode.
  • Associate professor Dr.S.Deepa , Assistant professor Dr.S.Gomathi (Deputy Co Ordinator PvPI , MMC) and our Pharmacovigilance associate Mrs. S. Devipriya were speakers on various Pharmacovigilance topics in this training programme.
  • Hundred and eight Pharmacovigilance coordinators, Deputy coordinators and Pharmacovigilance associates from various ADR monitoring centres throughout our state attended the training programme and got benefited.
  • “ADR REPORTING- BASICS TO ADVANCED” was conducted on 2nd December 2022, in which Dr. C. Ramchandra Bhat and Dr. A. Subashree (member of PvPi) were the speakers.
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Success story 2
  • Institute of Pharmacology is a part of World Health Organization’s SOLIDARITY TRIAL, a Multinational, Phase III-IV clinical trial for testing drugs for COVID 19 treatment, in collaboration with various other departments of MMC & RGGGH, being one of the trial centres in our country.
  • The storage and distribution of trial drugs & reporting of adverse drug reactions to trial drugs are taken care of by the Institute Of Pharmacology. Under the able guidance of our respected Dean Dr. E. Theranirajan, Currently RGGGH & MMC is continuing with the next phase of solidarity trial which is solidarity plus trial.
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Central Laboratory

No Centarl Lab information available for this department.

Highlights

No Highlights information available for this department.

High Dependency Unit

No High Dependency Unit information available for this department.

Others

No Others information available for this department.

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