GHS calls for stronger systems to ensure safe care for NCD patients

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has called for enhanced health systems, efficient patient navigation, and strengthened primary healthcare services to provide safe and continuous care for individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Dr Caroline Amissah Reindorf, the Deputy Director-General of the GHS, emphasized that patient safety should encompass the entire care continuum, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.

Speaking at the 2026 National Patient Safety Day commemoration in Accra, Dr Reindorf stressed that proper medication, regular check-ups, follow-ups, and effective referral systems are crucial for NCD patients' safety. She described patient navigation as a potential "game-changer" under the free primary healthcare initiative, highlighting that patients often face challenges in navigating health facilities and accessing appropriate services without delays.

Gaps in referral systems could lead to patients repeating medical histories multiple times, while some referred patients may fail to report at receiving facilities. Dr Reindorf urged health facilities to ensure their systems adequately supported patients throughout the referral process and provided feedback on successful care access.

Safe care, according to Dr Reindorf, entails not only prescribing medicines but also ensuring patients obtain and understand how to use them. Ghana has identified issues in some health facilities, such as challenges with infection prevention, clean water, sanitation, and other basic services, urging stakeholders to address these continuously.

WHO Country Representative Dr Fiona Braka emphasized that patient safety is essential for better health outcomes for NCD patients, who often require lifelong care. She noted that NCDs account for a significant number of premature deaths and disability globally and are increasing in Africa, placing additional demands on health systems.

Braka estimated that one in every ten patients experiences harm during healthcare globally, with nearly half of these harms being preventable. Safe care, she reiterated, is a shared responsibility involving strong systems, informed patients, accountable institutions, and sustained leadership. GHS Director Dr Lawrence Ofori Boadu noted that September 17 was observed globally as World Patient Safety Day, and Ghana has used the occasion to assess healthcare delivery safety and quality annually.

This year's focus on NCDs is crucial as Ghana strengthens primary healthcare and promotes early detection. Boadu urged the public to regularly check their health status and seek early care when health problems arise. The event also saw the launch of the orange color for the celebration.