World Patient Safety Day (WPSD) is observed annually on 17 September and aims for global solidarity and concerted action by all countries and international partners to improve patient safety involving around prevention and reducing risks, errors and harms that happens to patients during the provision of health care. This year the day is observed under the theme, “Improving diagnosis for patient safety.” It also has a slogan: “Get it right, make it safe!”
The day is observed due to growing complexity of health care systems and the rise of patient harm in health care facilities. It has been highlighted that patient’s are harmed due to adverse events and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The available evidence suggests that hospitalization in low- and middle-income countries leads to 134 million adverse events annually, which in turn result in 2.6 million deaths. In high-income countries, approximately one in ten patients is harmed while receiving hospital care.
Established in May 2019, WPSD was formed during the 72nd World Health Assembly known as the WHA 72.6 on ‘Global action on patient safety.’ The day calls upon patients, families, caregivers, communities, health workers, health care leaders and policy-makers to show their commitment to patient safety.
