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Medical Errors Cause 52 Lakh Injuries Annually
13 Oct
Summary
- Around 52 lakh injuries occur each year due to medical errors.
- Patient safety officers and committees are now mandated in hospitals.
- Errors include medication mistakes and preventable hospital infections.
Approximately 52 lakh injuries annually result from medical errors, including medication errors and hospital-acquired infections. This significant number, detailed in a health ministry communication on May 8, has spurred the National Medical Commission (NMC) to action.
The NMC has directed all medical colleges and institutions to strengthen their patient safety mechanisms. This includes appointing a patient safety nodal officer and forming a dedicated committee or cell.
These new patient safety cells will oversee eleven critical domains. These encompass medication and surgical safety, blood transfusions, medical devices, laboratory procedures, infection control, antimicrobial resistance, and facility safety.
The committees will be tasked with reporting and analyzing patient safety incidents, near misses, and high-risk events. Their role is crucial in identifying systemic gaps and recommending effective corrective and preventive measures to enhance patient care.
