World Patient Safety Day
A WHO-established day raising awareness of patient safety and the need to reduce preventable medical errors.
Date17 September
TopicHealth
Established2019
Ways to observe this day
- Don't hesitate to ask your doctor about any medication or procedure
- Learn about your rights as a patient
- Join awareness events at a nearby hospital or clinic
- Support campaigns to improve healthcare safety in your country
In 2019, the Seventy-second World Health Assembly designated September 17 as World Patient Safety Day through resolution WHA72.6 on global action on patient safety, with 194 countries committing to make patient safety a global health priority.
WHO estimates that preventable medical errors harm millions of patients worldwide each year, some resulting in avoidable deaths. The day aims to raise public and professional awareness of the risks of unsafe healthcare, and to mobilize action toward making health systems safer for both patients and healthcare workers.
Health ministries and hospitals worldwide mark the day by lighting landmarks in orange and yellow, the campaign's colors, and by holding awareness events and training workshops for healthcare workers on best safety practices, along with sharing patients' and families' experiences.
