The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) affirmed its adoption of patient safety practices and policies in accordance with international standards, and its continuation to provide medical services with high quality and efficiency in its 28 health centers located in all regions of the country.
In a related context, the corporation explained that in light of the high risk and harm that mothers and infants are exposed to when they do not receive safe care, the World Health Organization (WHO)'s chosen theme for this year is 'safe maternal and newborn care, to celebrate the occasion of World Patient Safety Day 2021.
The theme was chosen to ensure the provision of integrated and quality care by skilled healthcare practitioners working in a supportive environment to improve women's experiences during childbirth, empower them and reduce their exposure to harm and emotional trauma, while the slogan is 'Act now for safe and respectful childbirth!'
The corporation noted its adoption of the required organizational practices in accordance with international standards and safety competencies, as the plan particularly focuses on safe maternal and newborn care and generally on safety objectives, preventing harm and damage and enhancing the safety of all patients, visitors and health care workers, especially in light of continuing to work in accordance with the precautionary measures and health protocols to confront the Coronavirus pandemic.
Executive Director of Quality and Patient Safety at PHCC Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Ali said that in order to follow up on patients' affairs and meet their needs, the corporation is organizing various activities for patients and their families, and for employees working in its various health centers on the occasion of World Patient Safety Day 2021, noting that these activities will continue until Sep. 30, under the umbrella of the Patient Safety campaign.
She pointed out that this year, the campaign includes employees, by organizing competitions for excellence in patient-centered care - given that it is an important aspect of patient safety, in all health centers and departments, while rewarding teams that work continuously for improvement with the aim of providing services that exceed patient expectations.
Dr. Al Ali said that providing the safest health care and services is one of the biggest challenges facing health care in the world, emphasizing that the State of Qatar's National Health Strategy 2018-2022 constitutes the driving force towards improving the health of the population through distinguished and high-quality health care.
PHCC's strategy aims to make the corporation a pioneer in the field of quality and patient safety, she said, adding that the corporation is constantly working on applying the latest safety systems that are evidence-based and proven in the latest research in the field of quality and safety.
It is worth mentioning that the Patient Safety campaign is organized in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) since 2017, and its goal this year is to raise awareness of the concept of patient safety among health care providers and the community alike.