By Sonkie Leymanni | Millennium Online Media | Lilongwe, Malawi

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation says improving patient safety in NCD care will require sustained action across the health system, from accurate diagnosis and access to medicines to effective referrals, communication and follow-up. 

The call comes as Malawi has joined the global community in commemorating World Patient Safety Day on 17th September, with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation urging healthcare workers, paptients, families and other stakeholders to work together to reduce preventable harm and ensure that people living with non-communicable diseases receive safe, quality and continuous care.

According to a statement signed by the secretary in the Ministry Dr Dan Namalika, says NCDs continue to place a significant burden on individuals, families, communities and the health system, with many patients requiring lifelong treatment, regular monitoring, continuous access to medicines and ongoing interaction with healthcare providers.

The statement has called on healthcare workers to adhere to clinical guidelines, promote safe medication practices, communicate clearly with patients and families, maintain accurate records and actively involve patients in decisions concerning their care.

Commenting on the commemoration, George Jobe, Executive Director of the Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), welcomed the Ministry’s statement, saying patient safety is particularly important for people living with chronic illnesses who require continuous support.

Jobe said challenges in NCD care can begin with diagnosis, noting that some patients make several visits to health facilities before their conditions are correctly identified. He also stressed the importance of uninterrupted access to essential medicines for patients who require lifelong treatment.

"Effective communication between healthcare workers, patients and caregivers is another critical component of patient safety, as poor communication can result in patients not receiving appropriate care or understanding their treatment," he added. 

Jobe further raised concerns about referrals, saying patients transferred from lower-level facilities to district or central hospitals may sometimes be expected to use public transport, creating additional safety challenges, particularly for seriously ill patients.

"Healthcare providers should clearly tell patients when to return for review, and health facilities could also use phone calls to check on patients where resources permit," he said.

The Ministry has urged patients, caregivers and families to provide accurate information about their health and medicines, understand and follow treatment plans, attend appointments, ask questions when they do not understand and promptly report concerns.

Jobe has similarly encouraged patients, caregivers and communities to actively participate in healthcare and report concerns whenever patient safety is compromised.

The Ministry is also calling for collaboration among health facilities, professional bodies, development partners, donors, the private sector, civil society organisations, academia, local leaders and communities to strengthen the quality, safety and continuity of NCD care in Malawi.

The Ministry says patient safety is everyone’s responsibility and has encouraged all stakeholders to work towards a health system where safe care for people living with non-communicable diseases is guaranteed