India Strengthens Patient Safety Framework for Noncommunicable Disease Treatment
New Delhi, September 18, 2026: The Union Health Ministry has renewed its focus on patient safety in the management of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), calling for stronger quality standards throughout the entire healthcare journey, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and long-term follow-up.
The emphasis was highlighted during India’s observance of World Patient Safety Day 2026 at the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi. This year’s global theme is “Safe Care for Noncommunicable Diseases”, with the slogan “Safe care for life!”
Patient Safety Across the Entire Care Journey
Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Health Mission, said patient safety should not be treated as the responsibility of a single programme or department.
She highlighted the need to incorporate safety measures across NCD services, including prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, referrals and long-term disease management.
According to the Health Ministry, nearly 63 per cent of deaths in India are attributed to NCDs, making the quality and safety of healthcare particularly important for patients requiring continuing medical care.
Focus on Quality Assurance
The ministry also called for a structured and time-bound approach to improving healthcare quality.
A specific roadmap has been proposed to achieve 100 per cent National Quality Assurance Standards certification of Ayushman Aarogya Mandir–Sub Health Centres by March 2027, followed by certification efforts for Ayushman Aarogya Mandir–Primary Health Centres.
The initiative is intended to strengthen institutional practices and create more consistent standards for safe healthcare delivery.
Medication and Digital Health Safety
The technical discussions at the event covered several areas where patient safety can be strengthened.
These included medication safety, the use of digital health tools, management of patients with multiple health conditions and safer clinical pathways for people living with NCDs.
The programme also examined ways to translate national policies into practical improvements at the state and healthcare-facility levels.
States Share Healthcare Initiatives
Representatives also presented examples of state-level programmes designed to improve NCD screening and patient care.
The Health Ministry highlighted initiatives from Jharkhand, Kerala and Rajasthan, including geriatric screening for diabetes and hypertension, an NCD prevention programme and an online referral system.
A National Patient Safety Pledge was also administered during the event, reinforcing the commitment of healthcare stakeholders to safer and higher-quality care.
Global Focus on Safer NCD Care
The World Health Organization has made NCD-related patient safety the focus of World Patient Safety Day 2026. WHO notes that people with chronic diseases can face increased risks because their treatment often involves repeated interactions with healthcare systems over long periods.
India’s latest initiative places patient safety within this broader effort, with the Health Ministry stressing quality improvement, coordinated care and stronger safety systems across different levels of healthcare.
