World Patient Safety Day... “Elevate the voice of patients!"

The world celebrates World Patient Safety Day on September 17th each year, recognizing patient safety as a global health priority by all member countries of the World Health Organization. Every year, a theme related to patient safety is chosen to raise awareness and promote positive change in the healthcare system. This year, World Patient Safety Day was activated under the theme “Elevate the voice of patients!" The campaign aims to increase global awareness about the importance of engaging patients and their families and spreading awareness about their safety and working together for safer healthcare. The Saudi Patient Safety Center (SPSC) engages relevant entities in the healthcare sector and works towards implementing measures to improve the quality of healthcare related to patient safety. SPSC also activates this day by partnering with various non-healthcare entities, participating in lectures and seminars to promote the concept of patient and family empowerment and their engagement in healthcare. Dr. Ali bin Talea Asiri, the Director-General of the Saudi Patient Safety Center, emphasized that this day reaffirms our commitment to empowering patients and enhancing their role in improving their safety, listening to their voices, understanding their needs and feedback, which greatly influences the process. It is worth noting that several entities from different sectors participated in this day by activating digital platforms and road billboards with various awareness messages about patient empowerment. Buildings, towers, and important landmarks were lightened in orange, to symbolize a very visible public recognition of the importance of patient engagement.​