Health 1 October 2026 Nile Post
Rotarians Advocate for Enhanced Patient Safety and Regulation of Herbal Medicines
In observance of World Patient Safety Day, Rotary Clubs have urged healthcare professionals to prioritize patient care and professionalism to prevent harm. They also highlighted the need for better regulation of herbal medicines to ensure patients seek appropriate professional medical attention. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/374899/rotarians-call-for-safer-patient-care-as-uganda-marks-world-patient-safety-day
Rotary Clubs, including the Kiwenda, Manyagwa-Nakwero, and Buwaate chapters, along with partners CHAIN and NAYO, have underscored the critical importance of patient safety. During a medical camp held on September 25, 2026, to mark World Patient Safety Day, these organizations called for increased vigilance among healthcare workers to reduce preventable harm, injuries, and deaths resulting from inadequate patient management.
This year’s World Patient Safety Day campaign, themed “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)” and sloganized as “Safe care for life!”, focuses on ensuring safe, quality, and person-centered care for individuals with chronic conditions. These include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, sickle cell disease, and mental health conditions.
Beyond clinical practice, the Rotarians also addressed the proliferation of herbal medicines, expressing concern that their unregulated nature might deter individuals from seeking timely and professional medical care. They advocated for a balanced approach to regulation that ensures patient safety while allowing access to traditional remedies, emphasizing the need for accurate information dissemination.
The medical camp itself provided free services to over 1,500 residents from surrounding communities, offering consultations, screenings, medications, and eyeglasses. Specialists from institutions like the Uganda Cancer Institute, Uganda Heart Institute, and Rocket Health participated, providing screenings for cancer, cardiovascular issues, and sickle cell disease, respectively. Services for audiology, diabetes, and hypertension were also available.
Danson Asiimwe, President of the Rotary Club of Kiwenda, encouraged regular health check-ups and adherence to medical advice, cautioning against self-medication. The high turnout demonstrated a significant demand for accessible healthcare services and health information. The organizers stressed that ongoing collaboration among healthcare providers, the government, communities, and organizations like Rotary is vital for advancing patient safety and enhancing access to quality healthcare across Uganda.
Source: Nile Post