BMH marks Patient Safety Day for children
DODOMA: THE Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) on Thursday joined medical institutions worldwide to commemorate World Patient Safety Day, with this year’s focus placed on the safety of newborns and children.
Observed annually, the day aims to raise awareness, foster collaboration and mobilise global action to improve patient safety. The 2025 theme, “Safe care for every newborn and every child”, under the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”, highlights children’s vulnerability to harm from unsafe care.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Director, Acting Director Dr Henry Humba said the hospital is committed to safeguarding children’s health through structured systems that ensure safe care from admission to discharge.
“Every patient receives care guided by hospital protocols, from outpatient departments and general wards to ICUs. As a hospital, we are committed to ensuring safe services for all patients, particularly children,” he said.
He noted that the government has prioritised child safety in healthcare, citing the universal health insurance scheme, which will entitle children to free treatment in the future, ensuring access without obstacles.
BMH also provides specialised paediatric services, including cardiology and ophthalmology. As part of the commemoration, the hospital presented gifts to mothers of newborns admitted in different wards, including diapers, baby wipes, baby oils and infant formula.
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Safe Surgery Coordinator, Dr Mugisha Nkoronko, stressed the role of parents in protecting children by providing accurate medical information for effective treatment.
Head of Urology Department and Paediatric Urologist, Dr Remigius Rugakingira, said the hospital has enhanced treatment for children across all body systems, emphasising prevention, safe medication and infection control.
“A healthy child will bring forth a healthy nation. Parents must prepare for childbirth in advance and follow medical guidelines to reduce abnormalities,” he said.
Paediatric specialist, Dr Emmy Mbilinyi, added that safe care for newborns today ensures future generations grow with strong minds and become productive citizens.
Meanwhile, BMH’s Head of Quality Assurance, Dr Paul Kazungu, reaffirmed that patient safety and quality remain central pillars, with strict adherence to standards such as hand hygiene and infection prevention.
