First Lady Urges Enhanced Support for Healthcare Workers and Patient Safety

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called for increased collaboration to empower healthcare professionals and ensure patients receive the essential safety and support required for effective recovery and long-term health. In a message marking World Patient Safety Day, the First Lady emphasized that prioritizing patient safety is fundamental to building a resilient national healthcare system. She specifically highlighted the challenges posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which continue to represent a significant portion of the health burden in the Maldives. Aligning with this year's global theme, “Safe care for non-communicable diseases,” Sajidha stressed the necessity of providing safe, timely, and high-quality care. This approach must span the entire patient journey, from initial prevention and early detection to active treatment and long-term management. The First Lady pointed out that managing NCDs is often a lifelong journey. Consequently, she argued that patients must have access to continuous care systems and quality services at every stage to prevent complications and improve quality of life. While expressing pride in the progress the Maldives has made regarding patient safety, she noted that further efforts are needed to protect those within the healthcare system. She concluded her appeal by calling for a collective national effort to provide healthcare workers with the necessary tools and support, creating a safer environment for both providers and patients. World Patient Safety Day is observed annually on September 17. The global initiative aims to raise awareness and reduce preventable harm and other critical safety issues within healthcare settings worldwide.