Amrita Hospital Faridabad hosts 3rd International Conference on Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety

New Delhi: Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, served as the venue for the 3rd International Conference on Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety, an event organized by the National Quality of Care Network (NQOCN).

The conference brought together healthcare leaders, policymakers, and global experts to share insights and strategies aimed at improving healthcare quality and ensuring patient safety. More than 1,000 delegates from India and SAARC countries participated in the two-day conference, which included workshops, presentations, and discussions on various topics. 

These sessions explored the importance of using quality and strategic tools, economic principles, data analysis, and technology to improve healthcare outcomes. Other areas of focus included communication and behavioral change sciences, patient experiences, and quality of life improvements.

In her address, Punya Salila Shrivastava, Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India expressed her commitment to enhancing healthcare quality as a government priority. She emphasized, “The Government of India is committed to transforming healthcare under Ayushman Bharat, with over 1.74 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs providing comprehensive services across rural and urban areas. However, the real challenge now is ensuring quality.” Shrivastava urged participants to continue working towards a high-quality, low-cost healthcare system for a healthier India.

The conference also featured the release of a souvenir and a compendium of selected publications focused on quality improvement by NQOCN networked teams. A white paper on economics, demand, and quality for cost-effective care was presented following a roundtable meeting.

Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, underscored, “Patient safety is a critical global agenda, and the WHO’s theme for 2024, “Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety,” emphasises its importance. At Amrita Hospital, both clinical and non-clinical stakeholders, actively participate and engage in several quality-improvement initiatives. Equally important is the involvement and engagement of patients themselves in efforts to further ‘Patients for Patients’ Safety’ initiative.”

Swami Nijamritananda Puri, Administrative Director of Amrita Hospital, stressed, “The Ministry of Health, Government of India, along with public and private hospitals, has implemented various quality improvement measures aimed at enhancing patient safety. These initiatives contribute to reducing morbidity, mortality, and the cost of care while improving operational efficiency. By adhering to the WHO’s theme for this year, Amrita Hospital remains committed to keeping patients safe through continuous risk assessment and management efforts.”

The conference featured other several distinguished speakers, including Air Marshal Rajesh Vaidya, Director General of Medical Services (Air); Lt. Gen. Dr. Daljit Singh, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services; Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of the Association of Healthcare Providers (India); and Dr. Atul Kochar, CEO of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH).