The commemoration of World Patient Safety Day held at the Windhoek Central Hospital Chapel brought together healthcare professionals to reflect on promoting safe, effective, person-centred and compassionate care. 

This year focuses on the theme "Safe Care for Non-communicable Diseases", driven by the slogan "Safe Care for Life". 

Patient Safety Day was first introduced in 2019 by the World Health Organisation and serves as a global alarm to strengthen patient safety across all health sectors.

The Deputy Executive Director for the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Taimi Amaambo, raised concerns over global statistics, indicating that 40 million deaths recorded each year are linked to non-communicable diseases.

This situation is often worsened by factors such as misdiagnosis, incorrect medication, and gaps in patient safety practices.

"Today is more than an annual observation or observance; it is an opportunity to reflect on what patient safety really means in the media, especially for our healthcare workers, as well as every person who places their lives and health in our hands. Patient safety is a national responsibility."

She urged health workers to act and implement policies that are in place meant for patient safety.

"But policies, as we know, policies do not improve outcomes simply because they exist. They become outcomes when they are implemented. We must therefore ask, are we reporting incidents, are we learning from near misses, are we responding to patients' concerns, are we conducting audits and acting on findings?" 

Amaambo emphasised and encouraged patients to actively engage in their own care by asking questions, understanding their treatment, and following prescribed medical advice.

She cautioned that patient safety is not a once-off event, but a continuous commitment that requires dedication, accountability, and collaboration from both healthcare professionals and patients.