The Imo State Ministry of Health and Social Services has commemorated the 2026 World Patient Safety Day with a call for stronger advocacy and public awareness on safe care for people living with non-communicable diseases.
The event, held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at MacDon Skye Hotel, Owerri, was organised under the theme, “Safe Care for Non-Communicable Disease,” with the slogan, “Safe Care for Life.”
Declaring the interactive programme open, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Her Excellency, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaro, PhD, emphasised the importance of placing patient safety at the centre of healthcare delivery.
She stressed the need for patients, particularly those in rural communities, to receive proper guidance on safe treatment practices and the appropriate use of medications.
Using the example of a rural woman such as “Madam Nkechi,” the Deputy Governor explained that patients need to be adequately educated by healthcare professionals on the possible consequences of improper medication use and the dangers associated with self-medication and other unsafe treatment practices.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Health and Social Services, Dr. Vivian Egu, said the occasion was a reminder of the fundamental principle of healthcare that every patient deserves safe, respectful and quality care.
Dr. Egu noted that stakeholders in the healthcare sector have a collective responsibility to promote a culture in which health workers are strengthened and empowered to identify risks, report errors and near misses without fear.
She urged healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to learn from identified challenges and continuously improve healthcare systems.
The Commissioner also called for strict adherence to clinical guidelines, infection prevention and control measures, medication safety protocols, effective communication, proper documentation and respectful engagement with patients.
Dr. Egu further commended the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for what she described as efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve the availability of essential medicines and equipment, enhance staffing and capacity development, and strengthen supervision and quality improvement mechanisms.
According to her, the state government has also established systems for monitoring patient safety and responding to identified concerns within the healthcare sector.
Goodwill messages and contributions were received from representatives of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ISPHCDA), Imo State Council for Action Against HIV/AIDS, Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the representatives of Heartland Hospital Management Corporation, the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Ethics, among others.
The Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke, CFR, was represented by HRH Eze Lucky Okoro, PhD.
Contributors to the event highlighted some of the challenges associated with the safe management of non-communicable diseases, including breast cancer, throat cancer, kidney disease and diabetes.
The programme also featured contributions from German medical team on mission to Imo State associated with the Heartland Hospital Management Corporation.
The panel session provided an opportunity for medical experts to enlighten participants on critical challenges affecting patient safety in the management of non-communicable diseases.
The panelists included Dr. Nwako Okechukwu, Consultant Cardiologist; Dr. Tony Anyanwu, Consultant Endocrinologist; Dr. Evelyn Ikeagwuani, Consultant Nephrologist; Dr. Ijeoma Dozie, Consultant Lifestyle and Family Physician; and Dr. Okechukwu Duru, Consultant General Surgeon/Oncologist.
At the end of the programme, stakeholders agreed on the need for intensified grassroots advocacy to improve public understanding of non-communicable diseases and promote safe care practices.
They identified faith-based organisations, the media and civil society organisations as important platforms for reaching communities with information on prevention, early detection, appropriate treatment, medication safety and other measures necessary to improve patient safety.
The stakeholders maintained that sustained public education and collaboration among healthcare professionals, government agencies, community leaders, faith-based organisations and the media would help reduce preventable risks and promote safer healthcare for people living with non-communicable diseases.
Report By Fredrick Njoku