The Ministry of Health has joined the global community in commemorating World Patient Safety Day 2023, highlighting the critical importance of patient-centered care and the need to engage patients in their own safety.Themmed "Engaging Patients for Patient Safety," this year's observance underscores the central role patients, families, and caregivers play in safeguarding healthcare.
Speaking during the commemoration, Cabinet Secretary Hon. Nakumicha S. Wafula reminded healthcare stakeholders to elevate the voice of patients emphasizing on the need for patients to be actively involved in policy formulation,representation in governance structures, engaged in co-designing safety strategies, and to be active partners in their own care.
Patient safety is a paramount concern in healthcare, aiming to prevent and reduce risks, errors, and harm that occur during the provision of medical services. Alarming statistics reveal the pressing need for concerted efforts to enhance patient safety worldwide with statics pointing out 421 million people are hospitalized worldwide, 42.7 million resulting in adverse events.This translates to adverse events been one of the top 10 leading causes of death and disability worldwide.
4 in 10 patients globally experience harm in primary and outpatient care settings, and a staggering 80% of this harm is preventable with key areas of concern including diagnosis, prescription, and medication use.
World Health Organization Country Manager Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo encouraged all stakeholders to actively engage in patients’ safety, empower patients, drive patient-centered practices and contribute to a safer healthcare environment in Kenya. “Let us come together on World Patient Safety Day to reaffirm our commitment to safe healthcare practices and to elevate the voices of patients. By working collaboratively, we can strive for a safer, more patient-centered healthcare system that ensures the well-being of all.”
