MoPH Emphasizes Patient Safety in Treatment of Noncommunicable Diseases

The Deputy Minister for Health Services at the Ministry of Public Health, speaking at an event marking World Patient Safety Day, said noncommunicable diseases can affect not only patients and their families but also society and the country’s economy.

Abdul Wali Haqqani reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing equal health services and expanding them across the country. He also described the role of patients’ families and health partners as essential to ensuring patient safety.

Abdul Wali Haqqani, Deputy Minister for Health Services, said: “Patient safety is not only the responsibility of doctors, nurses, midwives or other health workers. It is a shared responsibility of health institutions, health officials, patients, families, communities and partners involved in providing health services.”

Wahdat Alokozai, Director of Curative Medicine at the Ministry of Public Health, said: “Although medicines are beneficial, they can sometimes cause harm if we do not consider the dosage, administration and side effects. Patients with noncommunicable diseases do not take medicine for a short period; they often need it continuously, which can cause harm if it is not properly managed.”

A representative of the World Health Organization also described patient safety as an integral part of healthcare and assured continued WHO cooperation in various health sectors.

Atiqullah Akbari, WHO representative, said: “Wherever there is a potential risk in patient treatment, patient safety is not only the responsibility of health workers. It is a collective responsibility in which policymakers, health managers, doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, social workers and patients’ families all have an important role.”

Sami Karimi, head of Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Public Health, said: “Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health is committed to continuing comprehensive efforts to improve the quality of health services, ensure patient safety and improve care for people with noncommunicable diseases. Through long- and short-term plans, the ministry will continue its efforts to improve the prevention and treatment of these diseases.”

World Patient Safety Day is observed annually on September 17 to raise awareness about patient safety, prevent avoidable errors and reduce harm associated with healthcare.

This year’s theme is “Safe Care for Noncommunicable Diseases,” emphasizing safe and high-quality healthcare for people living with chronic diseases.