In commemoration of ‘World Patient Safety Day’, a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Health Cities Office at the Ministry of Health in Kuwait is leading a pivotal campaign to address patient safety and environmental concerns by facilitating the safe disposal of unwanted medication within the community in Kuwait.
Supported by an array of esteemed entities in Kuwait, including the WHO Kuwait Country Office, Drug Inspection Administration and the Safety Department at Quality Accreditation Directorate, Central Directorate of Primary Health Care & the Services Administration within the Ministry of Health, Environment Public Authority, Dhahiyat Abdullah Al Salem Healthy City, Patients Helping Fund Society, College of Pharmacy at Kuwait University. This campaign takes a monumental stride in ensuring that unused and expired medications are disposed responsibly and sustainably, thus safeguarding both public health and the environment.
This year WHO has a dedicated theme which is ‘Engaging patients for patient safety’ with the slogan ‘Elevate the voice of patients’. The day aims to inspire stakeholders, including patients, families, policymakers, healthcare leaders, health workers, and patient organizations, to collaboratively design healthcare policies and safety interventions that truly align with the needs and preferences of patients, ultimately enhancing global healthcare safety.
The central objective of the campaign in Kuwait is to encourage the community to return their unwanted medications to designated collection points, where they will be properly disposed without any adverse impact on the environment or the health of individuals. After witnessing the overwhelmingly positive response to the campaign in 2022, this year’s initiative will be expanded to encompass 20 primary health care centers across Kuwait. The campaign is scheduled to run from September 10th to 21st, coinciding with ‘World Patient Safety Day’.
Dr. Amaal Al Yehia, Head of Healthy Cities Office at the Ministry of Health, expressed, “We affirm our commitment to ensuring patient safety and preserving the environment in Kuwait. This campaign serves as a testament to our dedication to the well-being of both our community and our planet.”
Dr. Assad Hafeez, the WHO Representative in Kuwait, stated, “This campaign aligns perfectly with the objectives of ‘World Patient Safety Day’, emphasizing the importance of engaging patients and communities. By safely disposing of unwanted medications, we commend the Ministry of Health for its efforts to protect the the health for all in the community and in parallel the environment.”
Dr. Hafeez, further added,” As Kuwait takes this significant step towards patient safety, environmental stewardship, and collaborative healthcare design, it sends a resounding message that each individuals participation plays a pivotal role in shaping a healthier and safer future for all.”
This campaign also serves as a timely reminder to the local community not to donate unused medication, as doing so could potentially pose risks to other patients. It encourages individuals to retain only the medication they genuinely require, thereby avoiding the unnecessary accumulation of medication.