Collective effort of all stakeholders in the health system is crucial for patient safety: First Lady Sajida Mohamed

First Lady, Madam Sajida Mohamed has stated that patient safety requires the involvement of all stakeholders in the health system. She made the remarks at the 2024 National Patient Safety Conference, held at the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement in Addu City on the occasion of Patient Safety Day.

The First Lady travelled to Addu City this morning to attend the Conference, organised by the Addu Equatorial Hospital with the World Health Organization's (WHO) assistance.

In her speech, the First Lady underscored the urgency of prioritising patient safety, emphasising that every moment counts in preventing harm. She highlighted that serious bodily harm and loss of life due to patient treatment occasionally occurs in the Maldives and urged health sector stakeholders to exercise caution in providing services to reduce or eliminate such incidents. Additionally, the First Lady emphasised the potential for transformative change in the healthcare sector through a national dialogue on patient safety, instilling hope and optimism in the audience.

In a display of her leadership and commitment, the First Lady launched the 'Patient Safety Strategic Plan' during the conference, a significant step towards improving patient safety. She also inaugurated the Patient Safety Committee and handed over pins to its members. Additionally, the conference included a panel discussion on 'Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety'.

Prior to the conference, she toured the exhibition at the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement, recognising Patient Safety Day and exploring the various health services offered at the exhibition stalls. After the conference, she visited Addu Equatorial Hospital to further engage with local healthcare providers.

This year’s World Patient Safety Day theme focuses on improving diagnostic safety, using the slogan “Get it right, make it safe!” On this day, patients and families, healthcare workers, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and civil society emphasises the crucial role of accurate and timely diagnosis in enhancing patient safety.

World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on 17 September, aims to raise global awareness about patient safety and calls for solidarity and united action by all countries and international partners to reduce patient harm.