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World Patient Safety Day

Let's join together on World Patient Safety Day to ensure that everyone in the medical community is safe and cared for.

Thursday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 17

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPublic Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Join us in celebrating World Patient Safety Day on September 17 by taking a moment to appreciate the importance of patient safety and quality healthcare! This special day was created to raise awareness about the global challenges faced when it comes to providing safe, reliable, and effective healthcare. It's also an opportunity for medical professionals around the world to come together in solidarity while reminding themselves of their ethical obligations.

TIMELINE

World Patient Safety Day Timeline

Pressure for Safe Healthcare

In the 1800s, Florence Nightingale laid the foundation for professional nursing, making a significant move towards creating safe healthcare practices.

Establishment of WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) was formed to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations' system and to lead partners in global health responses.

Pioneering Safety Report

The Institute of Medicine in the U.S. released a report called "To Err is Human", which marked the start of modern patient safety movement.

WHO's Global Patient Safety Challenge

The World Health Organization launched the Global Patient Safety Challenge to address key issues in healthcare safety worldwide.

First World Patient Safety Day

World Health Assembly endorsed the establishment of World Patient Safety Day to be observed annually on September 17, to enhance global understanding of patient safety and increase public engagement in health care safety.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Patient Safety Day

Organize a safety seminar

Host a seminar with health care professionals to discuss challenges and solutions in patient safety. Invite local experts to share their knowledge and experience on how to reduce the risk of medical errors.

LAUNCH

Launch a safety campaign

Develop a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of patient safety. Use posters, pamphlets, and brochures to educate people about the risks of medical errors and how they can prevent them.

PROMOTE

Promote safe practices

Encourage hospital staff and other healthcare providers to practice safe procedures when providing care to patients. Develop protocols for administering medications, performing surgical procedures, and handling medical equipment.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in online events

Take part in online events related to patient safety such as webinars, conferences, or virtual symposiums. Network with other healthcare professionals from around the world and share best practices in patient care.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a hospital

Look for volunteer opportunities at your local hospitals or clinics. Help out with administrative tasks such as filing paperwork or replying to emails so nurses and doctors have more time to take care of patients.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Patient Safety Day is Important

Encourages greater transparency

In many countries, there is a lack of transparency when it comes to patient safety issues. World Patient Safety Day serves as a platform to encourage greater dialogue between patients and caregivers to ensure that everyone involved understands their rights and responsibilities in terms of healthcare services.

Patient safety is a top priority

Providing the highest quality care and ensuring patient safety should always be top priorities of healthcare providers. World Patient Safety Day serves as a reminder for healthcare professionals to focus on improving their practices and reduce the risks associated with medical treatments, such as misdiagnosis, medication errors, surgery complications, and more.

Improves performance of healthcare systems

Safety should be at the core of any health system. Improving safety measures across hospitals and clinics not only benefits patients but can actually help improve the overall performance of an entire healthcare system by reducing costs caused by preventable errors.