Qatar concluded its 12th Patient Safety Week after a nationwide program focused on safer care for non-communicable diseases. The Ministry of Public Health held the annual initiative from September 17 through September 23. This year’s program carried the theme “Safe Care for Non-communicable Diseases” alongside the slogan “Safe Care for Life!”
The initiative brought together healthcare institutions from government, semi-government and private sectors across Qatar. Academic institutions, civil-society organizations, patients, families and other relevant groups also joined activities. Together, participants focused on improving safety throughout the healthcare journey for people with non-communicable diseases.
The program addressed several stages of care, beginning with prevention, screening and early detection. It also covered diagnosis, treatment, medication management, long-term follow-up and continuity of care. Through these activities, organizers highlighted the importance of maintaining safe practices throughout every stage of patient care.
Dr. Ameena Ibrahim Al Fakhroo, Acting Director of the Healthcare Quality Department, credited strong partnerships for the program’s success. She also highlighted collaboration between different sectors and the shared responsibility among participating organizations. According to her, ministry efforts since 2014 have strengthened safety and quality across Qatar’s healthcare system.
Meanwhile, the program used several public awareness activities to reinforce its message. Organizers illuminated 24 landmarks and public buildings in orange to mark World Patient Safety Day. In addition, a multilingual campaign promoted prevention, safe medicine use and awareness about risks linked to non-communicable diseases.
The Ministry of Public Health also hosted an awareness and health event at its main building. More than 200 people attended the event and participated in several health-related activities. These included medication reconciliation, clinical medication reviews, health checks and body composition assessments.
Participants also received information about nutrition, vaccinations, smoking cessation, mental health and physical activity. Furthermore, organizers included patient safety awareness activities throughout the event. The program also recognized winners of the Step Challenge 2026 during the gathering.
Another major part of the initiative involved a specialized webinar focused on improving patient safety. Around 1,442 experts, healthcare professionals and representatives from relevant organizations attended the online session. The webinar examined ways to provide safer, equitable and person-centered care for people with non-communicable diseases.
Speakers discussed different stages of the healthcare journey and identified several strategic priorities for future work. These priorities included prevention, early detection and safer diagnostic practices across healthcare services. They also highlighted integrated care, person-centered treatment and stronger medication safety measures.
In addition, participants discussed digital health, data, innovation, leadership and governance within healthcare systems. They also emphasized resilient health systems and stronger use of data for continuous learning. Representatives from regional and national healthcare organizations contributed to the specialized discussion.
The speakers included representatives from WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office and the World Innovation Summit for Health. Qatar University, Hamad Medical Corporation, patient representatives and the Qatar Cancer Society also participated. Their involvement broadened the discussion around improving care quality and reducing avoidable risks.
The program also included an international online workshop focused on healthcare research and publication. Organizers held the workshop in cooperation with the BMJ Group, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and Hamad Medical Corporation. The session provided practical guidance on improving research and publishing work according to recognized academic standards.
Healthcare institutions across Qatar also organized additional educational and awareness activities during the week. These activities targeted both patients and healthcare professionals and extended the initiative’s reach. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health supported participating institutions through guidance, information and direct involvement.
Patient Safety remained central to the initiative as Qatar continued efforts to improve healthcare quality nationwide. The program also emphasized reducing preventable harm and strengthening safe care for people. Moreover, organizers connected patient safety with prevention, early detection, treatment and long-term healthcare follow-up.
The conclusion of the 12th edition highlighted the importance of cooperation across Qatar’s healthcare system. Government institutions, healthcare providers, academic bodies, civil-society organizations and patients all contributed. Their participation supported the broader goal of developing safer and higher-quality healthcare services.
The initiative also demonstrated the wide range of activities that can support patient safety awareness. Public campaigns, health checks, professional webinars and specialized workshops formed part of the program. Together, these activities addressed both public awareness and professional development within Qatar’s healthcare sector.
Patient Safety Week concluded after several days of activities focused on safer care and healthcare quality. The Ministry of Public Health continues to promote measures aimed at reducing preventable harm. It also continues supporting safe and effective care for people living with non-communicable diseases.
