KARACHI: The Institute of Medical Education at Jinnah Sindh Medical University (IME-JSMU) recently held a seminar titled "Educating for Patient Safety," organized by its Center for Patient Safety (CoPS), emphasizing the essential role of patient safety in healthcare.
Addressing the seminar, JSMU Vice Chancellor Prof Amjad Siraj Memon underscored patient safety as a foundational priority in the healthcare system, affirming the commitment to advancing research, education, and training in this area through interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic partnerships.
IME Chairperson Dr. Syeda Kauser Ali introduced the "Students' Voice for Patient Safety" (SVoPS), a special interest group formed by SMC students to promote the CoPS mission, raise awareness, and advocate for patient safety practices.
The integration of patient safety education into the MBBS and BDS curricula, recently approved by the JSMU Academic Council, will be implemented as a longitudinal theme from the second year through graduation, with final-year assessments via MCQs and OSCE, she said.
Riphah Institute of Healthcare Improvement & Safety (RIHIS) Director Dr. Zakiuddin Ahmed, shared insights on national patient safety initiatives, referencing Institute of Medicine (USA) statistics that cite 44,000 to 98,000 preventable deaths annually from medical errors. He also quoted the World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 10 hospital patients may experience harm.
Dr. Haleema Yasmin, Chairperson of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at JPMC, highlighted the importance of bridging theory with practice and the critical role of teaching hospitals in patient safety.
The seminar was attended by JSMU leadership, faculty, and students, promoting dialogue on enhancing patient safety standards across healthcare.
