World Patient Safety Day 2023: Initiatives, Messages, And Global Impact
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Every year, on September 17, the world comes together to observe World Patient Safety Day , dedicating this occasion to raising awareness about the critical aspect of patient safety in healthcare systems.
A Historical Perspective
The origins of World Patient Safety Day trace back to 2019, when it was officially launched during the 72nd World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland, in May 2019. During this assembly, member states of the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised the paramount importance of patient safety and adopted a groundbreaking resolution titled ‘Global Action on Patient Safety.’ Consequently, World Patient Safety Day was inaugurated on September 17, 2019, to commemorate the adoption of this resolution.
The Significance of Patient Safety
Patient safety, as outlined by WHO, stands as an ethical and moral imperative deeply embedded in the fundamental healthcare principle of ‘First, do no harm!’ This principle serves as the cornerstone of efforts to ensure high-quality healthcare systems and attain universal health coverage. Alarmingly, statistics indicate that approximately one in ten patients experiences harm while receiving medical care, contributing to over three million deaths annually due to unsafe healthcare practices globally.
In the words of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , WHO Director-General, "Patient safety is a collective responsibility. Health systems must collaborate closely with patients, families, and communities to empower patients as informed advocates in their own care. It is imperative that every individual receives safe, dignified, and compassionate care, for if it's not safe, it's not care."
World Patient Safety Day 2023: The Chosen Theme
The theme selected for World Patient Safety Day 2023 is "Engaging patients for patient safety." This theme underscores the crucial role that patients play in safeguarding their own health during medical treatment. It encourages active participation, awareness, and education for patients to become advocates for their own well-being and ensure safer healthcare practices.
A Historical Perspective
The origins of World Patient Safety Day trace back to 2019, when it was officially launched during the 72nd World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland, in May 2019. During this assembly, member states of the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised the paramount importance of patient safety and adopted a groundbreaking resolution titled ‘Global Action on Patient Safety.’ Consequently, World Patient Safety Day was inaugurated on September 17, 2019, to commemorate the adoption of this resolution.
The Significance of Patient Safety
Patient safety, as outlined by WHO, stands as an ethical and moral imperative deeply embedded in the fundamental healthcare principle of ‘First, do no harm!’ This principle serves as the cornerstone of efforts to ensure high-quality healthcare systems and attain universal health coverage. Alarmingly, statistics indicate that approximately one in ten patients experiences harm while receiving medical care, contributing to over three million deaths annually due to unsafe healthcare practices globally.
In the words of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , WHO Director-General, "Patient safety is a collective responsibility. Health systems must collaborate closely with patients, families, and communities to empower patients as informed advocates in their own care. It is imperative that every individual receives safe, dignified, and compassionate care, for if it's not safe, it's not care."
World Patient Safety Day 2023: The Chosen Theme
The theme selected for World Patient Safety Day 2023 is "Engaging patients for patient safety." This theme underscores the crucial role that patients play in safeguarding their own health during medical treatment. It encourages active participation, awareness, and education for patients to become advocates for their own well-being and ensure safer healthcare practices.
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