British News Agency

The World Health Organization (WHO), ahead of World Patient Safety Day, highlighted the importance of access to safe healthcare for people living with noncommunicable diseases.

In a post on its social media account, WHO said this year’s World Patient Safety Day focuses on safe care for noncommunicable diseases. It noted that safe care is becoming increasingly important as populations age and more people live longer with chronic conditions.

The post said delayed diagnosis, incorrect medication use, unsafe medical procedures or poor communication can lead to serious and fatal consequences.

According to a new WHO analysis, nearly 1 in 6 people with noncommunicable diseases is estimated to experience preventable harm while receiving healthcare. This rate was reported to be nearly three times the estimated level of preventable harm among people receiving healthcare for any reason.

WHO emphasized that safe care should be integrated into every stage of a patient’s healthcare journey. In this context, it said all stages, from prevention and early diagnosis to treatment, long-term disease management and self-care, should be approached with safety in mind.

The post said governments, health managers, healthcare workers, civil society organizations and patients themselves all have a role in ensuring safe care.

WHO concluded its post with the message: “If it’s not safe, it’s not care.”