Medical errors cause 52 lakh injuries every year: Government

NEW DELHI: An estimated 52 lakh injuries occur annually due to medical errors, including medication errors and hospital-acquired infections, according to a health ministry communication that has prompted the National Medical Commission (NMC) to push for stronger patient safety mechanisms in medical colleges and hospitals.In a notice issued last week, NMC advised all medical colleges and med institutions to appoint a patient safety nodal officer and set up a dedicated patient safety committee or cell to monitor safety practices, review incidents and recommend corrective action.Experts said medical errors are preventable lapses causing harm, ranging from wrong drugs or dosages and infections due to unsterile equipment to bedsores.The estimate was cited in a May 8 communication from additional director general of health services, which flagged the need to strengthen patient safety practices across medical colleges & hospitals.The proposed cells will cover 11 domains, including medication and surgical safety, blood transfusions, medical devices, lab and diagnostic procedures, hospital-acquired infections, antimicrobial resistance, vaccine and injection safety, and facility safety.The committees will be responsible for facilitating the reporting and analysis of patient safety incidents, near misses and high-risk events. They will identify gaps in systems, recommend corrective and preventive measures.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.