IN Pakistan, a silent crisis is unfolding within the walls of our healthcare facilities, largely unnoticed until disaster strikes. Patient safety, a fundamental aspect of healthcare, remains undermined by a combination of systemic neglect and resource constraints, leading to grave consequences.
The issue begins with inadequate healthcare infrastructure and extends to the shortage of well-trained medical personnel. In many hospitals across Pakistan, especially in rural areas, patients often face risks of infections, misdiagnoses, and treatment delays due to overcrowded wards and under-equipped facilities. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of standardized protocols and insufficient government oversight, making the need for a comprehensive strategy to enhance patient safety more urgent than ever.
One of the most alarming aspects of this crisis is the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections. According to various studies, Pakistan has higher rates of these infections compared to global averages, with poor sanitary conditions and non-compliance with standard hygiene practices largely to blame. Additionally, the incorrect use of antibiotics has accelerated the spread of antimicrobial resistance, posing another layer of risk to patient health.
The country’s approach to patient safety needs a radical overhaul. This begins with the government prioritizing healthcare funding and policy-making aimed at strengthening the foundation of patient care. There is an imperative need to establish and enforce strict healthcare standards and to invest in training healthcare providers on best practices in patient safety.
Moreover, public-private partnerships could play a crucial role in bringing innovations and improvements to the healthcare sector. Encouraging the adoption of digital health records and leveraging technology for patient management systems could significantly reduce errors and improve treatment outcomes. Lastly, patient education is critical. Empowering patients with knowledge about their rights and what constitutes safe practices can drive a grassroots demand for better healthcare services.
Addressing these challenges will not be quick or easy, but it is essential for safeguarding the health and well-being of Pakistan’s population. It’s time for all stakeholders—government, healthcare providers, and the public—to come together and transform patient safety from a neglected issue into a national priority. This silent crisis must be given a voice, loud enough to bring about the change that is desperately needed.
—The writer is founding chair and Associate Professor at the Department of Public Health, Green International University, Lahore.
