ISLAMABAD - Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services (NHS) Dr. Nausheen Hamid on Friday stressed the patients’ safety in hospitals has emerged as a huge challenge in the health sector. 
World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on 17 September, aims to raise global awareness about patient safety and to encourage individuals to demonstrate their commitment to making healthcare safer. 
Shifa International Hospital marked the day by arranging an awareness seminar to reiterate its mission in improving the health and quality of life of patients. WHO urges all stakeholders to “Act now for safe and respectful childbirth!” with the theme “Safe maternal and newborn care.”
Speaking on the occasion, the Dr. Nausheen Hamid lauded the step taken by SIH management to observe the day as patients faced a number of difficulties in the country.
She said, “Hospitals should ensure safety of patients as it is a huge challenge in the health sector and its importance has hugely increased during the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She said that this campaign is even more important this year due to COVID-19 pandemic to raise awareness about adopting best practices at the point of care to prevent avoidable risks and harms to all patients in general and to all women and newborns during childbirth in particular.”
Guest of honour Dr. Quaid Saeed Akhunzada (CEO Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority) stressed the importance of the current WHO initiative of ‘Patient Safety Friendly Hospital’ which improves the quality of care and safety approaches.
Speaking about the significance of World Patient Safety Day, Dr. Manzoor H. Qazi (CEO Shifa International Hospital) said, “This day allows us to express our strong resolve to patients and their safety. Being a JCI Accredited hospital, Shifa International Hospital is conscious of the critical role we play and our obligation to patients. He also informed that the facilities and services provided at Shifa International Hospital to cure and prevent diseases, impact patients and ultimately, public health goals.