A Professor of Health Law at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) in Ondo State, Leroy Edozien, has revealed that patient safety incidents, also known as ‘medical accidents,’ cause over three million deaths worldwide each year.

He stated that one in 24 individuals die as a result of unsafe hospital care, and a national survey of doctors, pharmacists, and nurses in Nigeria found that the prevalence of self-reported medication errors was 47 per cent.

Edozien explained that patient safety incidents encompass medication errors, patient misidentification, blood transfusion errors, and diagnostic errors, among others, and warned that these statistics have serious implications for patients, their families, health professionals, and the nation.

The dean of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology revealed this during the 3rd University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Postgraduate School Interdisciplinary Discourse Lecture held on Thursday at Oladipo Akinkugbe Hall of the institution.

While stating that the epidemiology of patient safety is astounding but poorly appreciated, he emphasised that “it is estimated that across the world, one in every 10 patients is harmed in healthcare, and one in four hospitalisations results in harm in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).”

“One in 24 people die from unsafe hospital care, and a national survey of doctors, pharmacists, and nurses in Nigeria showed the prevalence of self-reported medication errors was 47 per cent.

“A medical accident is an event or circumstance that could have resulted, or did result, in unnecessary harm to a patient. The implications, among others, include physical trauma, psychological trauma, emotional distress, and financial devastation,” he said.

Drawing on real-life cases in Nigeria and around the world, Edozien emphasised the urgent need for systemic improvements.

He advocated for reforms in clinical governance and improved education and training in patient safety as key strategies to reduce these preventable incidents.

The Dean of UNIMED’s Postgraduate School, Prof. Michael Asuzu, who explained the lecture’s aim, stated that the series seeks to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration by bringing together academics from both within and outside the institution who have conducted research or initiatives that promote interprofessional cooperation in healthcare.

He said, “This platform allows experts to share insights and experiences that align with UNIMED’s commitment to excellence in medical education and patient care.”