Nigerian Government Promises To Prioritise Safety of Patients in hospitals

Nigeria joined the world in commemorating the first World Patient Safety Day on 17th September 2019 themed “Patient Safety: a global health priority”.

Studies show that in low and middle countries like Nigeria, 1 in 10 patients I medical facilities squire with healthcare-associated infections. Likewise, more than half of all newborns housed in infant units in hospitals suffer similar infections. This, research shows, had lead to a fatality rate of between 4% and 56%. These jarring state of emergency inspired the World Health Assembly to dedicate the 17th of September to raising awareness about patients safety; World Patient Safety Day is set to hold on the 17th of September, every year.

The goal, as the World Health Assembly points out, it is to impel action towards safer systems, services, procedures, and practices in health care. This, they believe will eliminate harm to patients and mitigate any risk of harm to patients

Speaking at a press briefing by the Federal Ministry of Health to mark the day, the Honorable Minister for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire noted that patient safety is prioritized in Nigeria’s National Health Policy 2016 and second National Strategic Health Development Plan 2018 – 2022. Nigeria’s Patients’ Bill of Rights – introduced last year also indicates that health providers are liable to provide quality care by ensuring that they “deliver care that minimizes risk and harm to patients, including preventable injury and errors” and “adopt clinical governance standards and provide the best care while protecting patients from harm, or abuse”.

“As we mark this first Patient Safety Day, I urge all stakeholders to support [the] government’s efforts in ensuring patient safety, mainstreaming quality of care at all levels, managing risks and fostering supportive and learning cultures”, Dr Ehanire said.

Patient safety is an essential component of health care that should be given immediate attention. The campaign brings health practitioners together and gives them a platform to learn, share and drive towards sustainable patients safety actions, all while taking their constraints (as doctors in different economic climates) into consideration.

Dr Peter Clement, representing the World Health Organisation, pointed out that greater patient involvement is the key to safer care and on this first World Patient Safety Day, WHO is urging patients, healthcare workers, policymakers and the healthcare industry to speak up for patient safety. “Your involvement, support, and enthusiasm will help to ensure the impact of this campaign”