Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi celebrated World Patient Safety Day 2024.

Mahesh Dhoundiyal - Delhi

On the occasion of World Patient Safety Day, 17 September 2024, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi, organized an extensive array of activities over two weeks. This is the fifth consecutive year, that the institute spearheaded efforts to raise awareness about patient safety, under the leadership of Medical Superintendent Dr. Vandana Talwar and Principal Dr. Geetika Khanna.
This theme for 2024, set by the World Health Organization, is "Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety," alongside the slogan, "Get it right, make it safe!", was at the core of all initiatives. The Patient Safety Committee and Quality Cell of VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital initiated the celebrations, starting on 10th September 2024, where the wards and units across the hospital were adorned with posters and notice boards highlighting the importance of patient safety.

These creative endeavors, including posters, photographs, and short videos, were put together by all categories of staff. A key event on 17 September 2024 was the Patient Safety Walkaround, engaging MBBS, nursing, and para-allied students. During this event, the Medical Superintendent &Principal released orange balloons, symbolizing the hospital’s unwavering commitment to enhancing patient care standards. Staff across various departments took a Patient Safety Pledge at their workstations, sharing pictures and videos to showcase their dedication. Towards continuous journey of high-quality standards in laboratory reports, a hands-on workshop for Lab technicians to stress upon the  On 19 Sep 2024 Department of Microbiology, in association with Quality Cell,  and IAMM  Delhi Chapter conducted a workshop for technicians on " Elevating  Lab  Quality: Implementing ISO 15189:2022 Standards in Medical Lab". 

Another highlight of the celebration was the clinical case presentation competition for the multidisciplinary residents across the hospital, which was held on 20th September 2024, and focused on the theme of ”Improving diagnosis for patient safety”. The case presentations were academically oriented as well as pepped up with lively discussions and judged by a panel of experts. The event aimed to discuss and share innovative approaches to advancing patient safety practices. The competition was graced by dignitaries including Dr. L. Swasticharan, Additional DDG and Director EMR at the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, along with Medical Superintendent, Principal VMMC, Heads of Departments and members of the Patient Safety Committee and Quality Cell.  It had an audience that included Faculty, resident doctors,  MBBS students, nursing staff, and paramedic staff. The program concluded with the felicitation of the winners from the various competitions.

These events underscored the institute's commitment to patient safety, emphasizing its ongoing mission to ensure that each patient feels heard, valued, and safe.