MoSD unveils achievements and future plans
During a media briefing, H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, announced the completion of six targets from Oman Vision 2040, including electronic linkages with key authorities and a new charitable donation platform.
In 2024, the Ministry achieved full digital transformation, launched the 'Ta'heel' platform for persons with disabilities, and opened a rehabilitation complex in Sultan Haitham City. Additionally, new hydrotherapy units and mobile rehabilitation services were introduced.
Social assistance totalling RO 11.98 million was provided to over 102,000 beneficiaries, while 675 job opportunities were created for low-income families.
The disability sector issued 21,388 new disability cards and established 19 new rehabilitation centres. Volunteer efforts saw 68 Omani women's associations and 64 volunteer teams support over 317,000 beneficiaries.
Private sector contributions amounted to RO 802,440, supporting disability programmes, elderly care, and women's associations. The Ministry's future plans focus on expanding social welfare services and strengthening partnerships.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Oman to produce medical diagnostic machines locally
A strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr Mohammad Mahmoodi, CEO of Carbon Technologies, and Dr Frank Vitzthum, Board Member and CTO of R-Biopharm, Germany, in the presence of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, on Tuesday. Under the MoU, advanced diagnostic manufacturing will be localised in Oman, supporting technology transfer and enhancing the country's health innovation ecosystem. The partnership will enable integration of state-of-the-art assay technologies into its local production lines, supporting both national and regional healthcare priorities. 'It is a milestone MoU in Oman's journey towards eliminating tuberculosis and other diseases from the country, and both communicable diseases and NCDs,' said Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. 'I'm optimistic and this will pave the way for various scientific advancements in the country, especially when it is located near SQU and within the Innovation Park Muscat. We have begun, and we look forward to having an international consortium to eradicate both communicable and non-communicable diseases. We look forward to collaborating with regional, national and international partners so that we can cooperate with the leading players,' she added. Speaking to the Observer, Dr Mohammad Mahmoudi, Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Technologies, said that this collaboration is a testament to Oman's growing capacity in innovation-driven industries and its strategic openness to global partnerships. 'Together with R-Biopharm, we aim to elevate diagnostic standards, nurture Omani talent and contribute to national healthcare resilience,' Dr Mohammad added. Aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, the MoU supports national goals in biotechnology, scientific research and industrial innovation. Speaking on the sidelines of the signing ceremony, Eng Said bin Nasser al Salmi, Board Member of Carbon Technologies, said that the MoU would open up more opportunities to leverage Carbon Technologies as a leading Omani company and expand local R&D capabilities to serve both domestic and international markets in the healthcare industry and position Oman among the leading innovation hubs in such sectors. Dr Dirk Dressler, Head of Business Development at R-Biopharm AG, said, 'We are honoured to partner with Oman's Carbon Technologies. This collaboration reflects our confidence in Oman's capabilities and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible diagnostics across the region."
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Empowering Omani people with disabilities
In 2024, the government in Oman took a decisive step towards building a more inclusive society with the introduction of a comprehensive welfare system under the new Social Protection Law. Among its many reforms, the provision of a monthly disability allowance of RO 130 has had a profound impact on the lives of people with disabilities across the country. This measure, administered by the newly established Social Protection Fund, represents a significant policy shift, aligning with both Oman Vision 2040 and international calls for universal social protection. Interviews conducted with 19 Omanis with physical disabilities, many of whom are well-known social media and community influencers, reveal the transformative effect of this policy. All participants spoke positively of the allowance, describing it as a lifeline that fosters dignity, autonomy and social participation. They highlighted how the monthly support enables them to address mobility challenges, whether through hiring drivers, purchasing assistive devices, or covering the costs of participating in social and cultural life. For many, it is not simply about financial assistance; it is about regaining control over their lives and feeling more fully included in the fabric of society. The law's broader framework also introduces universal old-age pensions, child benefits, and other forms of targeted support for vulnerable groups. However, for people with disabilities, the allowance stands out as an empowering recognition of their right to participate in society on equal terms. The participants stressed that this form of direct support moves beyond symbolic gestures, offering tangible, practical help that addresses the everyday barriers they face. Nevertheless, the interviews also revealed certain challenges that could limit the system's reach. The lack of a clear, consistent definition of 'disability' in the early stages of implementation created uncertainty over who qualifies for the allowance. While the Social Protection Fund has since issued updated criteria — requiring, for example, an official disability card and meeting specific medical or functional conditions — these definitions, though necessary for transparency, risk excluding individuals whose needs are nonetheless significant. The application process itself was another concern. Several interviewees described it as lengthy and burdensome, involving extensive paperwork and waiting periods. Despite these difficulties, they unanimously agreed that the benefits ultimately outweighed the effort required to obtain them. In addition, recent adjustments to the regulations have introduced periodic re-evaluations of eligibility, with the possibility of suspending payments if criteria are not met. While such reviews ensure that the system remains fair and sustainable, they can also create anxiety among beneficiaries who depend on the allowance for daily living expenses. The participants suggested that simplifying the process and providing assistance with applications could help mitigate these concerns. What emerges from these conversations is a strong sense of gratitude towards the Omani government for introducing a policy that directly addresses the needs of people with disabilities. The allowance has brought about real change, not only by improving mobility and access to essential tools, but also by reinforcing a sense of self-worth and independence. For a country committed to inclusive development, such reforms mark an important milestone. Looking ahead, there is room for further refinement. Clearer eligibility guidelines, streamlined application procedures and expanded outreach efforts could ensure that the system benefits all who need it. Engaging the very influencers who have benefited from the policy to raise awareness and guide others through the process could also strengthen its impact. By recognising the right of people with disabilities to lead independent, dignified lives, the government has taken a meaningful step towards social inclusion. With continued commitment and targeted improvements, this initiative can serve as a regional model of how policy, when grounded in empathy and vision, can transform lives.
Observer
7 days ago
- Observer
Khoula Hospital establishes surgical programme for scoliosis
MUSCAT: Khoula Hospital has successfully established a comprehensive surgical programme for treating spinal deformities (scoliosis), with the first surgeries performed in 2012. The programme has seen significant progress in recent years, thanks to national efforts to localise these complex procedures. Dr Sultan bin Saif al Kalbani, Head of the Spine Unit at Khoula Hospital and Consultant in Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery, said that the programme achieved a qualitative leap with the introduction of early scoliosis treatment last year. This advancement, he affirmed, has enabled therapeutic intervention for children at younger ages, resulting in over 50 successful cases. He noted that such surgeries were previously performed outside Oman, imposing financial and psychological burdens on patients and their families. The localisation of these services has alleviated these challenges, with national medical teams now capable of performing complex procedures without the need for patients to travel abroad. Dr Al Kalbani added that this achievement places Khoula Hospital among the few centres in the Gulf and Middle East offering such advanced, precision surgeries using state-of-the-art techniques, including intraoperative nerve monitoring and modern spinal fixation systems. The hospital has also introduced advanced surgical navigation systems and robotic-assisted surgery, enhancing precision, reducing complications and improving surgical outcomes. Khoula Hospital is now one of the region's pioneering centres utilising these technologies in paediatric spine surgery. In research and documentation, he pointed out that the hospital has completed a comprehensive unit documenting its scoliosis treatment experience over the years, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance specialisation, training and scientific documentation. Currently, an innovative strategic research project is underway in collaboration with artificial intelligence technologies to develop early scoliosis screening methods in schools. This initiative aims to enhance early detection and reduce the need for complex surgical interventions in the future, he added. Dr Al Kalbani emphasised that this success results from collaborative efforts among doctors, technicians and healthcare administrators. Work is ongoing to expand the programme's scope and develop research and training initiatives to meet patient needs nationally and regionally. He affirmed that investing in national workforce training has been — and remains — key to this success, with medical, nursing and support staff receiving continuous training through workshops in Oman and abroad to ensure service quality and patient safety. Dr Al Kalbani noted growing public awareness about early scoliosis diagnosis and expressed pride in citizens' confidence in government healthcare institutions, particularly Omani professionals who have demonstrated their ability to provide advanced treatment services meeting global standards. On his turn, Dr Rashid bin Mohammed al Alawi, Director-General of Khoula Hospital, underlined the hospital's aspiration to become a regional reference centre for spine surgery, led by Omani professionals. This vision, he said, is being realised through continuous training programmes, workshops, conferences, local and international fellowships, and advanced research in spinal disorders and surgeries published in prestigious scientific journals. He stated that the hospital not only strives for medical excellence, but also prioritises patient-centred care. Expanding specialised services and adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as robotic-assisted surgeries, aim to alleviate patient suffering, accelerate recovery and enable them to return to a better quality of life, he added. — ONA
