The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has called upon all healthcare workers to adhere to clinical guidelines, promote safe medication practices and actively involve patients in decisions concerning their care.
The call comes as Malawi on Wednesday joined the global community in commemorating World Patient Safety Day which falls on 17ᵗʰ September, under the theme "Safe Care for Non-Communicable Diseases’’.
Through a statement signed by the secretary in the Ministry Dr. Dan Namarika, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), continue to place a significant burden on individuals, families, communities and the health system, adding that people living with NCDs require lifelong treatment, regular monitoring, continuous access to medicines and ongoing interaction with healthcare providers.
The Ministry said patient safety means protecting patients from preventable harm while receiving healthcare by ensuring correct and timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, safe use of medicines, accurate and complete patient records, effective communication between healthcare workers and patients, timely referral, continuity of care and proper follow up.
‘‘Patients, caregivers and families also have an important role to play in promoting patient safety, hence encouraged to provide accurate information about their health and medicines, understand and follow their treatment plans, ask questions where they don't understand, attend appointments, and report concerns promptly’’, leads part of the statement.
The Ministry further emphasized that patient safety is everyone's responsibility, calling upon health facilities, professional bodies, development partners, donors, the private sector, civil society organizations, academia, local leaders and communities to work together and invest in strengthening the quality, safety and continuity of NCD care in Malawi.
Meanwhile, the Patient and Community Welfare Foundation of Malawi (PAWEM) said it recognizes that patient safety is a fundamental right and a shared responsibility hence calling for a stronger patient centered health system, accurate diagnosis across all levels of care.
Through a statement signed by its Executive Director Kondwani Kuchelekana, said it has reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, health care providers, civil society organizations among others to promote patient safety, dignity and quality health care for all.
‘‘Together let us advance safer care for people living with no communicable diseases and build a healthier Malawi’’, says PAWEM.
This year's theme draws attention to the importance of ensuring that people living with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes, among others receive care and quality care throughout their health journey.
