Risks involved in care of newborns highlighted on World Patient Safety Day

Muscat: The Ministry of Health on Wednesday observed the Eighth National and Seventh World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on 17 September. This year’s event was held under the theme “Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child,” as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The celebration programme included scientific lectures and discussion sessions addressing this year’s theme, along with an exhibition showcasing research papers and development projects in the field of patient safety.

This year’s activities highlight the importance of raising public awareness of risks to safety in the care of newborns and children across all healthcare contexts, and of empowering parents, caregivers, and children in patient safety through education, awareness, active participation in care, and advocacy.

The events also promote enhanced research in patient safety and the delivery of care for children and newborns.

The World Patient Safety Day celebrations will include intensive awareness campaigns across governorates and hospitals, featuring educational campaigns, visual displays, exhibitions, and informational messages for both the public and healthcare workers.

These are being organized by the Ministry’s Quality Assurance Center in collaboration with the relevant central directorates throughout September.

The selection of this year’s 2025 theme, “Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child,” aligns with international and national efforts to enhance maternal and child health and to ensure that every child and newborn receives safe healthcare from birth through early childhood.

The adoption of this theme also reflects a collective commitment to collaborative action aimed at reducing mortality and injury rates among newborns and children, and to supporting programs and policies that ensure a safer, healthier future for coming generations.

The occasion was observed under the auspices of Dr. Said bin Harib Al Lamki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs, in the presence of Their Excellencies, senior ministry officials and 250 participants from the health sector, including various medical and paramedical professionals.