In a bid to address the critical issue of medical diagnostic errors, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging global stakeholders to unite under the theme “Get it right, make it safe!” for this year's World Patient Safety Day on September 17. The campaign, centered on the theme "Improving diagnosis for patient safety," highlights the importance of accurate and timely diagnoses to ensure effective healthcare.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the significance of correct diagnosis, noting that errors in diagnosis can lead to severe harm or even death. “The right diagnosis, at the right time, is the basis of safe and effective healthcare. Reducing this risk takes collaboration between health workers, policymakers, and patients,” he said.

Diagnostic errors contribute to 16% of preventable harm in healthcare globally, with most adults experiencing at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime. These mistakes, including delays, miscommunication, or incorrect diagnoses, often result in prolonged illness, increased healthcare costs, or preventable deaths.

The WHO's campaign calls on healthcare leaders, policy-makers, medical product regulators, and patients to take an active role in minimizing these risks. Key interventions include establishing national guidelines, ensuring adequate resources, and fostering a safe work environment for healthcare workers. In addition, ensuring the proper maintenance of diagnostic tools and technologies is critical to reducing errors.

Patients and their families also play a crucial role by actively participating in the diagnostic process—sharing their symptoms, asking questions, and following up on test results to ensure clarity and accuracy.

To further bolster efforts, WHO has developed a model to support the implementation of diagnostic safety measures. The World Patient Safety Global Consultation, held in September, brought together experts, patient advocates, and healthcare leaders to discuss strategies for reducing diagnostic errors and progress on the Global Patient Safety Action Plan (GPSAP) 2021–2030.

The WHO's Global Patient Safety Report 2024 highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges, with the upcoming model for improving diagnostic safety set to be released in 2025. This tool will serve as part of WHO's broader initiative to ensure high-quality, safe healthcare worldwide, driving stakeholders to meet the ambitious goals outlined in the GPSAP.