The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has joined the global community in celebrating World Patient Safety Day, which is marked annually on September 17.
Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the day is dedicated to raising awareness about patient safety and advocating for improved healthcare practices worldwide.
The 2024 theme, “Improving diagnosis for patient safety,” with the slogan “Get it right, make it safe!”, emphasises the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis in safeguarding patients’ health.
The FDA’s commitment to ensuring early and correct diagnosis for all Ghanaians aligns with this year’s focus. As the regulatory body responsible for the safety of medical devices, including diagnostic products, the FDA plays a key role in ensuring that these products meet safety, effectiveness, and quality standards.
In line with World Patient Safety Day, the FDA is reminding patients and caregivers to report any suspected defective diagnostics or adverse reactions experienced when using medical products. The agency emphasises the importance of reporting these issues so they can take appropriate regulatory action to maintain safety standards.
To make reporting more accessible, the FDA offers several tools, including the Med Safety App, available for both Android and iOS devices, as well as Adverse Reactions Reporting Forms found in healthcare facilities, and the BlueForm available at community pharmacies designated as Patient Safety Centres.
The FDA held a special sensitization session at the Outpatient Department of Mamobi General Hospital on Wednesday, 18th September 2024.
Led by FDA officers Iverta Addo and Rebecca Mensah, the session educated patients on issues such as falsified and substandard medical products, how to report adverse drug reactions, and how to use the Med Safety App to ensure their safety when using medical products.
These efforts are part of the FDA’s broader mission to engage the public and healthcare providers in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical devices and diagnostics, contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare in Ghana.
