New Delhi - Air Marshal (Retd.) Dr. Pawan Kapoor, Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln American University (LAU), Guyana, was invited as a distinguished speaker at the Patient Safety Conference 2025, held at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), New Delhi. His insightful presentation on safeguarding vulnerable groups in healthcare was highly appreciated by delegates and industry experts.
Dr. Kapoor stated that patient safety should be a primary concern in all healthcare systems, especially for individuals who are at higher risk due to their health, social, or economic backgrounds. These include the elderly, infants, children, adolescents, critically ill and comatose patients, physically or mentally challenged individuals, victims of abuse or neglect, economically disadvantaged groups, as well as patients who are visually or hearing impaired or immunocompromised.
Addressing Key Challenges in Vulnerable Populations
In his speech, Dr. Kapoor focused on the significant difficulties that vulnerable patients often face, such as:
- Higher morbidity and mortality rates
- Greater risk of medical errors
- Neglect, abuse, and violation of privacy and confidentiality rights
- Increased susceptibility to healthcare-associated infections
He stressed that these concerns highlight the urgent need for systematic reforms and robust safety protocols that are sensitive to the needs of vulnerable groups.
Framework for Safer Healthcare Practices
Air Marshal (Retd.) Dr. Pawan Kapoor presented a thoroughly developed framework of safety measures that could be implemented in hospitals and by healthcare providers. These included:
- Identification and assessment protocols for early recognition of vulnerable patients
- Clinical and support service protocols to ensure consistent, quality medical care
- Environmental and personal safety protocols to create safer hospital surroundings
- Incident reporting and management protocols to build accountability and foster learning
He emphasized that these steps are practical, applicable, and adaptable to different healthcare environments. The focus, he added, is on practical solutions which can make hospitals truly safe and patient-friendly.
Positive Reception from Delegates
The presentation was well received by all delegates, who appreciated Dr. Kapoor’s ability to connect academic expertise with ground-level realities. His talk inspired meaningful dialogue on improving patient safety, especially for marginalized and high-risk populations.
LAU’s Global Commitment
Lincoln American University remains deeply committed to excellence in medical education and healthcare delivery worldwide. By engaging in international forums such as the Patient Safety Conference, LAU reinforces its mission of producing doctors who are not only academically strong but also ethically grounded and socially responsible.
Through the leadership of Air Marshal (Retd.) Dr. Pawan Kapoor, Lincoln American University, continues to contribute actively to advancing healthcare safety protocols, patient-centered care, and global medical practices.
