TU Teaching Hospital Organizes Conference on Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality Improvement

Kathmandu: Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Maharajgunj, organized a one-day conference focusing on patient safety and healthcare quality improvement. The conference, titled "Quality Improvement and Patient Safety," was held with the support of the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), an organization working in healthcare quality and safety.

The conference, held at Park Village Resort in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, brought together national and international experts to discuss measures to ensure patient safety and improve the overall quality of healthcare services.

TU Vice-Chancellor Emphasizes Continuous Quality and Safety

Inaugurating the conference, Tribhuvan University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa stated that safety and quality are fundamental to all professional sectors.

He emphasized that the healthcare sector must play an important role not only in delivering quality services but also in expanding access to healthcare.

Prof. Dr. Thapa stated that quality and safety should not be treated as one-time achievements but must be maintained continuously and sustainably.

He highlighted that adequate basic infrastructure, skilled human resources, research, and the use of advanced technology could further strengthen healthcare quality and patient safety.

IOM Dean Highlights International Patient Safety Standards

Prof. Dr. Mohan Raj Sharma, Dean of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), stated that university hospitals should not be evaluated solely on the basis of patient examinations and surgical procedures.

He emphasized that patient safety and healthcare quality must be ensured in accordance with international standards.

Prof. Dr. Sharma also informed participants that four hospitals operating under Tribhuvan University's Institute of Medicine are providing healthcare services in accordance with the health protocols of the World Health Organization (WHO).

CAHO Stresses Global Healthcare Standards and Patient Safety

Dr. Lallu Joseph, Executive Chairperson of the India-based Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), which works globally in healthcare quality and safety, emphasized that all healthcare institutions worldwide must remain committed to patient safety.

He stated that healthcare organizations should take measures to control risks arising from physical and human negligence.

Dr. Joseph also stressed the need to reduce incorrect information and advice while implementing internationally recognized standards and codes of conduct throughout the healthcare sector.

TUTH Commits to Maintaining Patient Safety

Prof. Dr. Subash Prasad Acharya, Executive Director of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and Chairperson of the conference, expressed confidence that the research findings and international practices discussed during the event would encourage hospitals across Nepal to take greater responsibility for patient safety.

He stated that Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital would not compromise patient health under any circumstances, regardless of the challenges faced.

Seventeen Papers Presented and Panel Discussion Held

A total of 17 papers addressing patient safety and healthcare quality were presented during the conference. A panel discussion was also conducted to facilitate the exchange of experiences, recommendations, and professional perspectives.

The panel discussion featured the following experts:

• Prof. Dr. Jagdish Agrawal, Former Dean of IOM and Health Advisor to the Prime Minister.

• Prof. Dr. Bhagawan Koirala, Former Executive Director of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

• Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Director of Amrita Hospital, Haryana, India.

• Prof. Dr. J. Jayalakshmi, Institute of Health Science and Research, Tamil Nadu, India.

• Dr. Krishna Prasad Paudel, Acting Director General of the Department of Health Services.

The panelists shared their experiences and suggestions concerning healthcare quality and patient safety.

Experts Present Research Papers on Healthcare Quality

The conference also featured paper presentations by national and international healthcare professionals and experts.

The presenters included:

• Dr. Lallu Joseph

• Prof. Dr. Mohan Raj Sharma

• Prof. Dr. J. Jayalakshmi

• Dr. Sanjeev Singh

• Dr. Phanindra Baral

• Dr. Pawan Raj Chalise

• Dr. Anil Oduvil

• Dr. Sunil Mundkar

• Dr. Sabin Koirala

• Dr. Hari Bhakta Sharma

• Dr. Binod Bijukchhe

• Dr. Biraj Man Karmacharya

• Dr. Kapil Gautam

• Dr. Apoorva Sharma

• Dr. Sulekha Shrestha

• Dr. Dipesh Aryal

Other experts also presented papers during the conference, contributing to discussions on patient safety, healthcare service quality, and improvement practices.