The Expert Advisory Committee on the Vigilance of Health Products

2011
ISBN: 978-1-100-18266-7 (PDF Version)
Cat.: H164-137/2011E (PDF Version)

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The Expert Advisory Committee on the Vigilance of Health Product (EAC-VHP) provides the Health Products and Food Branch of Health Canada with expert advice on broad strategic policy issues related to the safety of health products - including drugs, biologics, natural health products and medical devices - marketed in Canada. Through its membership the EAC-VHP also offers a forum for citizens to share their views.

Vigilance: A Shared Responsibility

All Canadians have a role to play in contributing to the safety and effectiveness of health products once they are on the market. Accordingly, the EAC-VHP consists of 12 to 15 members of the public representing:

• patients,
• consumers,
• health professionals,
• industry representatives,
• researchers, and
• academics.

Committee members also reflect Canada's regional, cultural and linguistic diversity.

A Team of Experts

Thorough and effective post-market surveillance requires a wide range of aptitudes, knowledge sets and skills. The EAC-VHP members bring a mix of experience and core vigilance expertise in:

• ethics;
• epidemiology;
• biological sciences;
• human medicine;
• health product vigilance;
• public health;
• social sciences; and
• risk assessment, communication, and/or management.

Committee members are appointed for a term of two to three years, serving up to a maximum of six consecutive years.

Advising Health Canada

An integral part of Health Canada's post-market surveillance, the EAC-VHP carries out its mandate by advising the Health Products and Food Branch on broad strategic policy issues including, but not limited to:

• improving the relevance and impact of marketed health products' policies and programs on safety and therapeutic effectiveness;
• educational programs;
• risk communication processes;
• regulatory advertising oversight issues; and
• strengthening management and business practices

Members of EAC-VHP also participate on expert advisory panels, reviewing relevant documentation and addressing questions pertaining to the use of specific health products in Canada.

Listening to Canadians

Considering the views of citizens is critical for effective regulation in the public interest. The EAC-VHP provides Canadians with a forum to have their views heard by experts. Members of the public can also receive updates on Committee activities by becoming part of the Committee's electronic mailing list.

Accountability

The committee was approved in 2006 and adheres to the best practices and standards established by the Health Products and Food Branch. Members are appointed as individuals and are not to represent their firms, organizations or associations. They serve in the best interests of all Canadians, aiming to promote health product vigilance.

Did you know? EAC-VPH Committee Meeting Summary Reports can be found online via the MedEffect Canada Web site.