World Patient Safety Day
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About
World Patient Safety Day, observed on September 17, shines a light on the importance of making healthcare safer for everyone. It recognizes the vital role of patients, families, healthcare professionals, and communities in preventing avoidable harm and improving the quality of care.
The day encourages open communication, shared responsibility, and practical steps that help protect patients throughout their healthcare journey. It is also an opportunity to appreciate the dedication of medical teams and to support efforts that build trust, strengthen healthcare systems, and put patient well-being at the heart of every decision.
History
World Patient Safety Day is observed annually on **September 17**. It was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 through a resolution adopted at the 72nd World Health Assembly. The resolution recognized patient safety as a fundamental part of quality health care and called for stronger international cooperation to prevent avoidable harm in medical settings.
The observance grew out of broader global efforts to address preventable injury, medical errors, unsafe procedures, infections, medication-related problems, and weaknesses in health-care systems. Although concerns about patient safety had long been discussed by clinicians and public-health authorities, the WHO’s formal initiative gave the issue a dedicated international day and a common platform. The first World Patient Safety Day was held on **September 17, 2019**, helping bring governments, hospitals, health professionals, patients, and families into a worldwide conversation.
Over time, the day has evolved into an annual campaign centered on a specific patient-safety priority. WHO themes have addressed subjects including safe health care, health-worker safety, maternal and newborn care, medication safety, and safe diagnosis. Campaign activities commonly include public lectures, professional training, awareness drives, hospital events, policy discussions, and the illumination of landmarks in orange—the color associated with World Patient Safety Day.
The observance has cultural significance because it emphasizes that safe care is a shared responsibility rather than an issue limited to doctors or hospitals. It encourages patients and families to ask questions, communicate relevant health information, understand treatments, and participate in decisions, while urging health systems to learn from mistakes instead of hiding them. By recognizing World Patient Safety Day on **September 17**, countries and communities affirm the principle that every person deserves health care that is safe, respectful, transparent, and of good quality.