By Dr. Jyoti Upadhyay
Specialist in Internal Medicine, Aster Hospital, Mankhool, Dubai
Every year on September 17th, the world observes World Patient Safety Day, an initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight the importance of making healthcare safer for every patient, everywhere. Patient safety is not just about preventing medical errors – it is about building a culture of trust, communication, and accountability across all levels of healthcare.
Why Patient Safety Matters
Healthcare saves lives every day, but without the right safety measures, it can also pose risks. Globally, millions of patients are harmed due to unsafe practices, medication errors, infections, or miscommunication. According to WHO:
- Nearly 1 in 10 patients is harmed while receiving hospital care.
- At least 50% of these incidents are preventable.
- Unsafe medication practices alone cause over 3 million deaths annually.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for awareness, stronger systems, and shared responsibility between healthcare professionals, patients, and communities.
This Year’s Theme: Engaging Patients for Patient Safety
World Patient Safety Day 2025 emphasizes “Engaging Patients for Patient Safety”. Patients are not just receivers of care – they are partners in their healthcare journey. Encouraging patients to speak up, ask questions, and share their concerns ensures safer outcomes.
Ways Patients Can Be Engaged:
- Open Communication: Patients should feel comfortable discussing their symptoms, treatments, and concerns with healthcare providers.
- Awareness of Medications: Knowing what medicines they are taking and why helps reduce errors.
- Infection Prevention: Simple steps like hand hygiene and following hospital guidelines reduce risks.
- Shared Decision-Making: Patients should be active participants in treatment plans.
The Role of Healthcare Professionals
As an Internal Medicine Specialist, I believe that patient safety begins with a commitment to quality care, teamwork, and accountability. Doctors, nurses, and support staff must work together to:
- Double-check medications and dosages.
- Follow infection control protocols strictly.
- Encourage patients to voice concerns.
- Continuously learn from audits and case reviews.
Building a Culture of Safety
True safety in healthcare is achieved when patients and healthcare professionals work as one team. Hospitals must foster an environment where safety is prioritized over speed, and where mistakes are acknowledged, learned from, and prevented in the future.
