By: Puseletso Maqoaelane
Maseru
In the realm of healthcare, the commitment to patient safety and quality care stands as a cornerstone of effective health systems. Recent events highlight the critical need for ongoing evaluation and improvement within health Ministries worldwide. In Lesotho, this commitment becomes evident during the National Patient Safety Day commemoration, which addresses and enhances various aspects of the health system.
Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Maneo Ntene, currently addresses significant concerns regarding the operational efficacy of the health sector. Ntene emphasizes that the current state of the Ministry’s operations is not satisfactory. As the world marks National Patient Safety Day, Ntene’s comments underscore the necessity for a comprehensive evaluation of health services. This evaluation, which includes engaging with health workers, is crucial in understanding and addressing the gaps in ensuring patient safety.
The Ministry of Health focuses on addressing systemic inefficiencies and ensuring that patient safety protocols are robust and effectively implemented. Ntene points out that the Ministry identifies numerous issues within its guidelines and operational practices. These issues range from insufficient health worker resources to a lack of essential medical equipment. The principal secretary’s remarks reflect an urgent need for reform and enhanced support for healthcare professionals. The goal is to ensure that patient care is not compromised by systemic failures or inadequate resources.
Tankiso Phori, Program Director of Community-Led Monitoring (CLM), emphasizes the importance of client evidence-based advocacy in improving healthcare quality. According to Phori, CLM’s approach revolves around promoting a protective environment for patients and safeguarding their human rights. This approach is central to CLM’s mission in Lesotho, which aims to improve client-centered service delivery and treatment, as well as to empower communities.
CLM’s strategy focuses on several key areas. Firstly, it emphasizes client education, which is crucial for informed decision-making and effective health management. By educating patients, CLM seeks to enhance their understanding of their rights and the quality of care they should receive. This empowerment allows patients to advocate for themselves and ensures that their needs and concerns are addressed more effectively.
Secondly, CLM is dedicated to strengthening institutional capacities. This involves ensuring that health institutions are equipped with the necessary resources, both human and material, to provide high-quality care. Strengthening these capacities is essential for improving overall service delivery and ensuring that health systems can meet the demands of the populations they serve.
In addition to institutional strengthening, CLM also focuses on enhancing the capacity of communities and civil society. By building community resilience and engagement, CLM aims to create a more supportive environment for patients and health workers alike. This community-focused approach ensures that health improvements are sustainable and that they resonate with the needs of the population.
On behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Emily Doe highlights the critical goals of National Patient Safety Day. According to Dr.Emily Doe, this day serves as a platform to raise awareness about patient safety and the importance of healthcare professionalism. The WHO representative emphasizes that achieving health courage—where health workers are empowered and supported to provide the best care possible—is a primary goal.
Dr. Emily’s address underscores the importance of collaboration among health workers. She stresses that every September 17th, National Patient Safety Day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to work towards the highest standards of patient care. This includes ensuring that health workers are adequately supported and equipped to perform their duties effectively.
The emphasis on collaboration and continuous improvement is essential for advancing patient safety. Health workers must work together to address challenges, share knowledge, and implement best practices. This collaborative approach is vital for creating a healthcare environment where patient safety is prioritized, and the quality of care is consistently high.
The National Patient Safety Day commemoration in Lesotho highlights several key areas for improvement within the health system. The need for a thorough evaluation of current practices, increased resources, and enhanced support for health workers is evident. Tankiso Phori’s insights into the role of Community-Led Monitoring and Dr. Emily’s emphasis on health courage and collaboration further underscore the importance of a comprehensive and unified approach to patient safety and quality care.
As health systems continue to evolve, the commitment to patient safety and quality care remains steadfast. By addressing systemic issues, empowering communities, and fostering collaboration among health professionals, we work towards a future where every patient receives the highest standard of care and where health systems are resilient and effective. The lessons learned and actions taken from events like National Patient Safety Day drive progress and ensure that the health of individuals and communities remains at the forefront of healthcare efforts.