Iraq: Reducing medical errors, enhancing patients confidence in the health system

INA - BAGHDAD

Health Minister Salih Al-Hasnawi stressed on Tuesday that reducing medical errors and enhancing patients' confidence in the health system is one of the duties of the Ministry of Health.

"Under the patronage and attendance of the Minister of Health Al-Hasnawi, the Technical Affairs Department in the Ministry of Health celebrated the occasion of World Patient Safety Day in the Martyr Darb Al-Moussawi Hall. The attendees included the representative of the World Health Organization, George Al-Farid, the technical agent Hani Al-Eqabi, the administrative agent, Khamis Al-Saad, the Director General of the Medical City, Hassan Al-Tamimi, the Director General of the Technical Affairs Department, Nofal Karim, and a representative of the Ministry of Higher Education and all departments, divisions affiliated with the department in Baghdad and the governorates," said the media office of the Minister of Health in a statement - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

The minister delivered a speech in which he explained that "health continues to enhance patient safety. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is one of the most important elements of primary health care to preserve patients' lives, especially since the world is accelerating medical and technological progress, as patient safety remains one of our top priorities."

Al-Hasnawi added, "We work to support all medical, health and nursing staff on an ongoing basis by enhancing technical and professional capabilities to ensure that diagnostic decisions are based on approved medical evidence."

"Human health is the basis of development and we must improve diagnosis, reduce medical errors, enhance patients' confidence in the health system, and increase chances of recovery," he stressed.

The minister offered his "thanks and appreciation to all workers in the health sector for their great efforts in serving the citizens and the country, wishing everyone success and safety."