Patient Safety From The Start: Protecting India’s Youngest Patients

General
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On 17 September 2025, the world observes World Patient Safety Day with the theme: “Patient Safety From The Start”. This year, the focus is on newborns and children up to age nine, who are especially vulnerable to avoidable harm in healthcare settings.

In India, challenges like medication errors, hospital-acquired infections, delayed diagnoses, and inadequate pediatric equipment persist, particularly in rural and under-resourced areas. Ensuring safe care from birth isn’t just a clinical responsibility—it’s a public health priority.

Key actions include:

  • Implementing standardized protocols and checklists for pediatric care

  • Training health workers in neonatal and child safety

  • Empowering families to ask questions and recognize warning signs

  • Strengthening reporting systems and health infrastructure

By prioritizing safe care from the start, India can reduce preventable harm, improve long-term child health outcomes, and move closer to achieving SDG 3 of Good Health and Wellbeing

MBH/PS

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World Patient Safety Day emphasizes the need of providing safe treatment from birth. We can safeguard children and guarantee healthier futures for the youngest patients by strengthening hospital systems, engaging families, and educating healthcare professionals.

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World Patient Safety Day is a reminder that protecting newborns and young children must be a first priority. Standardized protocols, trained staff and proper reporting systems can drastically cut preventable harm.

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