First Lady Madam Sajida Mohamed has underscored the urgent need to prioritize patient safety, emphasising that every moment counts in preventing harm. She made these remarks at the 2024 National Patient Safety Conference, held at the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement in Addu City in celebration of Patient Safety Day.
In her speech, the First Lady highlighted that serious bodily harm and loss of life due to negligence in patient treatment occur in the Maldives and urged health sector stakeholders to exercise caution in service delivery to reduce or eliminate such incidents. She stressed that ensuring patient safety requires the involvement of all stakeholders within the health system. Furthermore, she expressed optimism about the potential for transformative change in healthcare through a national dialogue on patient safety.
Demonstrating her commitment to this cause, the First Lady launched the 'Patient Safety Strategic Plan' during the conference, marking a significant step toward enhancing patient safety. She also inaugurated the Patient Safety Committee and presented pins to its members. The conference featured a panel discussion on “Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety,” further enriching the dialogue on this critical issue.
Before the conference, the First Lady toured the exhibition at the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement, celebrating Patient Safety Day and exploring the various health services showcased at the stalls. Following the conference, she visited Addu Equatorial Hospital to engage directly with local healthcare providers.
Observed annually on September 17, World Patient Safety Day aims to raise global awareness about patient safety and calls for solidarity and united action from all countries and international partners to reduce patient harm. This year’s World Patient Safety Day theme centres on improving diagnostic safety, under the slogan “Get it right, make it safe!” On this day, patients, families, healthcare workers, leaders, policymakers, and civil society emphasize the vital role of accurate and timely diagnosis in enhancing patient safety.