Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
09 October 2023 | 12:18pm CAT
2-min read

Picture: Africa Health

Johannesburg, South Africa – In a bid to bolster healthcare resilience and sustainability across Africa, the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg is set to host the 11th Quality Management and Patient Safety Conference on Thursday, 19 October 2023. With a theme of “Where to From Here? How to Make Resilience and Sustainability Our Reality,” this conference is poised to bring together pioneers and leading experts in the healthcare industry.

In an interview on Radio Islam International, the conference chair, Jacqui Stewart, discussed the significance of this event. Stewart emphasised the need to ensure the sustainability of quality improvement systems within healthcare, with an overarching goal of enhancing patient safety in healthcare facilities across the continent.

“It [the conference] is about resilience and sustainability, which is really important for healthcare. When we out in place systems to improve the quality of care, we’ve got to make sure that they are sustainable and that they ensure the safety of patients in any kind of healthcare facility,” Stewart said.

The conference boasts a lineup of distinguished speakers, including local expert Lauren De Kock, who will delve into the implementation of large-scale projects in South Africa and their sustainability. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Sodzi-Sodzi Tettey from Ghana, who will focus on similar projects implemented in South Africa and their impact.

One critical aspect of the conference will centre on patient safety, with Professor Ethelwynn Stellenberg, a researcher from Stellenbosch University, leading the discussion. Professor Stellenberg’s work in understanding factors contributing to patient harm incidents and her role as chair of the Psycho-Medical Legal Association will provide valuable insights into the legal implications of such incidents.

When asked about the conference’s objectives, Stewart highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing among participants from diverse African countries. The conference aims to create a platform for professionals to exchange ideas and learn from successful implementations in different regions, ultimately promoting the delivery of high-quality healthcare services.

The attendees at the conference will represent a cross-section of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, policymakers, and healthcare facility managers. Stewart also confirmed that tickets are still available for those interested, with registration accessible on the Africa Health website.

During the interview, Stewart acknowledged both the strengths and challenges facing healthcare in Africa. While the continent boasts excellent healthcare facilities and professionals, it grapples with issues such as infrastructure challenges, outdated facilities, and a shortage of healthcare staff, largely due to emigration to other countries. The inadequate maintenance of infrastructure remains a prominent challenge within the continent.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat: