The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) affirmed its adoption of patient safety practices and policies in accordance with international standards, and its continuation to provide medical services with high quality and efficiency in its 28 health centres located in all regions of the country, following the recent launch of South Al Wakra Health Center, thanks to the directives of our wise leadership and the direct follow-up of HE Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, and the constant supervision by Dr. Mariam Abdulmalik, Managing Director of PHCC.

In a related context, PHCC has said that in light of the high risk and harm that mothers and infants are exposed to when they do not receive safe care, the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s chosen theme for this year is ‘Safe Maternal and Newborn Care’, to celebrate the occasion of World Patient Safety Day 2021. 

The theme was chosen to ensure the provision of integrated and quality care by skilled healthcare practitioners working in a supportive environment to improve women’s experiences during childbirth, empower them and reduce their exposure to harm and emotional trauma, while the slogan is ‘Act Now for Safe and Respectful Childbirth!’

The corporation noted its adoption of the required organisational practices in accordance with international standards and safety competencies, as the plan particularly focuses on safe maternal and newborn care and, generally, on safety objectives, preventing harm and damage and enhancing the safety of all patients, visitors and health care workers, especially in light of continuing to work in accordance with the precautionary measures and health protocols to confront the Coronavirus pandemic. That is why this year's campaign was launched at PHCC bearing the slogan ‘Together for Safer Care.’

Executive Director of Quality and Patient Safety at PHCC, Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Ali, said that “in order to follow up on patients’ affairs and address their needs, the corporation is organising various activities for patients and their families, and for employees on the occasion of World Patient Safety Day 2021,” noting that these activities “will continue until September 30, under the umbrella of the Patient Safety campaign, to engage everyone in identifying their needs and provide the best health care services, where the community activities focus on educating patients about their role in enhancing their safety and that of their families.”

This year's campaign also included employees by organising internal competitions for excellence in patient-centered care, as an important aspect of patient safety, across all health centers and departments, where PHCC rewarded teams that work continuously to improve in order to provide services that exceed patients' expectations.

Dr. Al Ali said that “providing the safest health care and services is one of the biggest challenges facing health care in the world,” emphasizing that “the State of Qatar’s National Health Strategy 2018-2022 constitutes the driving force towards improving the health of the population through distinguished and high-quality health care.”

PHCC’s strategy aims to make the corporation a pioneer in the field of quality and patient safety, she said, adding that the corporation is constantly working on applying the latest safety systems that are evidence-based and proven in the latest research in the field of quality and safety. 

It is worth mentioning that the Patient Safety campaign is organised in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) since 2017, and its goal this year is to raise awareness of the concept of patient safety among health care providers and the community alike.