HEFAMAA Urges Health Workers to Prioritize Patient Safety on World Patient Safety Day

Lagos State Health Agency Calls for Enhanced Patient Engagement in Care

In a resounding call to action, the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) in Lagos State has directed healthcare professionals to make the safety of patients their utmost priority while minimizing risks associated with medical care.

The Executive Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, delivered this directive during a significant event organized by the agency to commemorate the 2023 World Patient Safety Day. This year’s theme, “Engaging Patients for Patient Safety,” underscores the importance of involving patients actively in their healthcare journey.

World Patient Safety Day’s Global Significance

World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on September 17 under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), serves a critical mission. It aims to elevate public awareness, foster global understanding, and galvanize collective action to champion patient safety worldwide.

A Multifaceted Crisis: The Need for Patient Engagement

Dr. Idowu emphasized the critical need for patients to be regarded as partners in their own healthcare. He highlighted the staggering societal costs incurred due to unsafe care, estimating an annual loss of $1 million to $3 million resulting from adverse effects in patient care.

Globally, a staggering 2.6 million deaths each year can be attributed to unsafe care, with a disproportionately higher number occurring in low and middle-income countries. Although Nigeria’s specific data is not fully segregated, it is evident that the nation faces a significant challenge in this regard.

Dr. Idowu noted, “When a patient seeks care, at least one out of every 10 patients experiences an adverse effect. These statistics are profoundly concerning and demand immediate action.”

Shared Responsibility in Patient Safety

Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, representing the wife of the Lagos State governor, stressed that patient safety is a shared responsibility shared by healthcare providers and the patient’s family.

Commitment to Patient Safety

Dr. Yemisi Solanke-Koya, Chairman of HEFAMAA, echoed the sentiment that patients deserve full recovery without further health complications arising from a lack of attention to safety. She emphasized that patients must be engaged throughout the entire spectrum of healthcare delivery.

In a world where patient safety has become paramount, the call for active involvement of patients in their healthcare journey serves as a beacon of hope, fostering trust and collaboration between healthcare providers and those they serve. HEFAMAA’s message resounds not only in Lagos State but also in the global healthcare community as an essential reminder of our shared responsibility for patient safety.