New Delhi : HL September 18, 2026

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare observed World Patient Safety Day 2026 at the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW) in New Delhi, with the central theme “Safe Care for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)”.

The programme brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, public health experts, quality managers, clinicians, development partners and representatives from States and Union Territories to discuss ways to improve patient safety and healthcare quality, particularly in the prevention and management of NCDs.

Aradhana Patnaik Stresses Time-Bound Quality Assurance

Addressing the gathering, Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director (NHM), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said patient safety must become an integral part of the entire healthcare system rather than remain the responsibility of a single programme or department.

She emphasised the importance of maintaining safety and quality throughout the NCD care pathway, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, referral and long-term disease management.

According to the Ministry, NCDs account for nearly 63 per cent of deaths in India, underlining the importance of strengthening safe and reliable healthcare services for patients requiring long-term care.

Focus on NQAS Certification

Patnaik called upon States and Union Territories to accelerate quality-improvement measures and develop a clear roadmap for achieving 100 per cent National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification of Ayushman Aarogya Mandir–Sub Health Centres (AAM-SHCs) by March 2027, followed by certification of AAM-Primary Health Centres.

She stressed that a structured and time-bound quality-assurance mechanism would help institutionalise patient-safety practices across different levels of healthcare delivery.

National Patient Safety Pledge Administered

The inaugural session concluded with the administration of the National Patient Safety Pledge, reaffirming the collective commitment of healthcare stakeholders towards safer care and improved quality of healthcare services.

The pledge formed part of the broader effort to promote a culture in which patient safety remains an essential component of healthcare delivery.

Seminar Focuses on Safe NCD Treatment

A technical seminar on “Safe Care for Noncommunicable Diseases” followed the inaugural session. Experts discussed several aspects of patient safety, including risks associated with NCD treatment, digital health solutions, clinical pathways, management of co-morbidities and medication safety.

The discussions also examined ways to strengthen patient safety throughout the continuum of care, particularly for patients who require regular monitoring and long-term treatment.

States Showcase Patient Safety Innovations

The programme also highlighted state-level initiatives aimed at improving NCD care and patient safety.

Examples included Jharkhand’s comprehensive geriatric screening model for diabetes and hypertension, Kerala’s Hridhyaragam initiative for NCD prevention and control, and Rajasthan’s SETU online referral application.

These initiatives demonstrated how state-specific approaches, digital tools and knowledge-sharing can contribute to improvements in healthcare quality and patient safety.

India Strengthens Patient Safety Framework

The Ministry highlighted initiatives including the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) and the National Patient Safety Implementation Framework as part of efforts to strengthen institutional mechanisms for quality healthcare.

The World Patient Safety Day observance provided a platform for healthcare stakeholders to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and explore approaches to strengthening patient safety across the healthcare system.

The Ministry said the initiative aligns with efforts to improve quality of care and advance patient safety as an important component of Universal Health Coverage.

World Patient Safety Day 2026 Theme

World Patient Safety Day is observed every year on September 17 following its adoption by the World Health Assembly. The 2026 theme, “Safe Care for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)”, focuses attention on preventing avoidable harm and improving safety throughout the NCD care journey.