Namibia observed the World Patient Safety Day (WPSD) on 17 September 2024 at the Intermediate Hospital Katutura (IHK). The event presents an opportunity to raise public awareness and foster collaboration between patients, health workers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders to improve patient safety. This year, the day was remembered under the global theme Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety, which underscores the vital role of accurate and timely diagnoses in ensuring patient well-being.

As part of commemorating the WPSD 2024, patient safety awareness sessions were held on 16 and 18 September 2024, respectively, reaching 109 healthcare workers, including nurses, medical doctors, porters, and cleaners. The objectives of awareness sessions included emphasizing the importance of adhering to patient rights, increasing awareness of errors in diagnosis that may contribute to patient harm, and emphasizing the pivotal role of correct, timely and safe diagnosis in improving patient safety.

On World Patient Safety Day, over 100 patients were reached with vital information about diagnostic safety and their rights. These sessions were conducted in different section of the IHK including the antenatal clinic, pharmacy, dental clinic, inpatient wards, and the hospital entrance. An expectant mother at the ANC clinic expressed her gratitude for learning about her rights and her role in supporting healthcare workers to ensure patient safety - a concept she was hearing for the first time. Additionally, over 80 healthcare workers participated in discussions on the significance of patient safety in diagnostics and their essential role in ensuring accurate and timely diagnoses.

On behalf of the medical superintendent of IHK, Dr. Martha Josef, the Senior Medical Officer for Internal Medicine, emphasized that Patient Safety Day serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing commitment to prioritizing patient safety and quality care. “This is an opportunity to reflect on our practices and ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of care for a safer healthcare environment,” she added.

During the awareness sessions, Ms. Aina Erastus, WHO Quality of Care and Health Service Officer shared valuable insights into the importance of the event and the critical role healthcare workers play in improving patient safety diagnosis. She highlighted the significance of the Patient Charter, which outlines patient rights and responsibilities, emphasizing that healthcare workers must actively promote and uphold these rights. Ms. Erastus stated that “respecting patients' rights is essential to delivering quality care, and ensuring patient safety is a fundamental principle in healthcare systems”. “Accurate and timely diagnosis, aligned with patient safety measures, reduces risks, prevents harm, and fosters trust between healthcare workers and patients,” she added.

The event reinforced the commitment to enhancing patient safety and improving quality of care. Several recommendations were made, including regular training for healthcare workers on the Patient Charter and other guiding documents to enhance patient safety. The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) Quality Assurance Division led the observation.