World Patient Safety Day, an annual global initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO), is being observed this year with a focus on strengthening awareness and action around patient safety. To mark the occasion, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre organised a public awareness initiative at Shivaji Park in association with BMC G North Ward. The initiative was inaugurated by Yogesh Desai, Assistant Commissioner, G North Ward, BMC and Joy Chakraborty, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre.
The initiative featured a Public Pledge Board, encouraging citizens to take greater responsibility for their health, make informed choices and participate actively in their care. The activity was aligned with this year’s WHO theme, ‘Safe Care for Non-Communicable Diseases’, and slogan, ‘Safe care for life!’. It focused on regular health check-ups, healthier lifestyles and greater participation in healthcare decisions. More than 300 people took the pledge, highlighting the role of individuals and families in prevention, early detection and safer care.
The initiative comes as P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre marks 75 years of its healthcare journey. The hospital has also joined the Patient-Friendly Hospital Excellence Program, launched by the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organisations (CAHO) in partnership with the Patients for Patient Safety Foundation (PFPSF). The programme focuses on incorporating patient-centred practices into hospital operations through a structured and measurable framework.
Joy Chakraborty said, “Non-communicable diseases are among the most pressing health challenges today, making prevention and early detection critical to improving health outcomes. World Patient Safety Day is an important opportunity to reinforce awareness around safer care and the role of individuals in preventing health risks. At P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, our commitment to patient safety is guided by the International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG) and extends to creating a care environment where the patient’s voice is heard and respected. As one of Mumbai’s pioneering hospitals to embrace the Patient-Friendly Hospital Excellence Program, we are further institutionalising our patient-friendly practices through measurable frameworks that strengthen safety, dignity, empathy and meaningful patient participation.”
Yogesh Desai said, “As non-communicable diseases continue to place a growing burden across our nations, it is important that we prioritise patient safety that goes beyond just treatment. Today, patient safety is not just limited to hospitals and healthcare professionals but important for each individual including patients to drive better outcomes. And this initiative by Hinduja Hospital on World Patient Safety Day 2026 rightly highlights the importance of a collaborative approach to patient safety empowering the patients to take correct action before a condition becomes a serious concern.”
Commenting on P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre’s participation in the Patient-Friendly Hospital Excellence Program, Nadira Chaturvedi, Co-Chairperson, Patients for Patient Safety Foundation (PFPSF), said, “Standard accreditation protocols focus on clinical excellence, while the Patient-Friendly Hospitals Standards emphasise the practice and behavioural aspects of care delivery that directly touch patients. They define a comprehensive framework outlining how leadership, infrastructure, staff behaviour, patient education and real-time patient insights work together across the care continuum to achieve safer health outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. The core principle of the programme is transforming patients from mere recipients of care into active partners in their own health journey. Patient safety is not only about preventing clinical errors; it is also about ensuring that patients are informed, heard and treated with dignity. A truly safe hospital empowers patients as active partners in their care journey. I am delighted to see Hinduja Hospital take the helm in driving this excellence programme forward towards new heights of achievement.”
As part of its World Patient Safety Day 2026 activities, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre is also conducting panel discussions on chronic diseases among younger adults and Mumbai’s air quality, a CME on early cancer screening, and a virtual conference bringing together doctors from across India to discuss NCD prevention and management.
The activities focus on prevention, early detection, informed healthcare choices and patient participation, in line with the broader focus of World Patient Safety Day on safer care for people living with non-communicable diseases.