Latest news with #MinistryOfHealth


Zawya
a day ago
- Health
- Zawya
Oman: Dhofar health services step up for khareef surge
Salalah: As Dhofar welcomes tens of thousands of visitors during the annual Khareef season, local health authorities have stepped up emergency preparedness and medical service delivery across the governorate to ensure visitor safety and rapid response in case of health emergencies. Dr Hani Al-Qadhi, Director General of Health Services in Dhofar Governorate, confirmed that the Ministry of Health has activated a comprehensive action plan this year that includes public awareness campaigns, infrastructure upgrades, and expanded cooperation with private hospitals. 'We have launched public health exhibitions and outreach activities in major shopping centres to raise awareness among citizens and tourists about seasonal illnesses and how to deal with them,' Dr Al-Qadhi said. 'The aim is to equip the public with information and connect them with health services efficiently, especially during emergencies.' Unified Ambulance Command Centre Operational in Salalah In a first for the governorate, a Unified Ambulance Centre has been established in Salalah. This facility consolidates emergency response coordination under one roof, allowing for more effective control over ambulance dispatch routes and response times. 'Previously, services were scattered across various health centres,' Dr Al-Qadhi explained. 'Now, with this centralised unit, we can monitor calls in real-time and direct ambulances where they are most urgently needed, with improved speed and efficiency.' Stronger Public–Private Health Integration To handle the seasonal influx of visitors, the Ministry has intensified collaboration with private sector hospitals to ensure continuity of care across Dhofar. 'We've coordinated with all licensed private hospitals in the governorate to support the public system,' he said. 'This is especially important given the large number of visitors during the peak weeks of July and August.' In 2024, more than 1.04 million people visited Dhofar during the Khareef season, many travelling long distances by road. Authorities expect similar or higher numbers this year, with tourism, climate, and cultural events drawing visitors from across the GCC. Special Attention for Chronic and Emergency Cases Recognising the needs of vulnerable groups, the Health Directorate has rolled out support services for those with chronic illnesses. A media committee has been formed to inform visitors—particularly patients who rely on regular medications—about how to store, access, or replace their prescriptions while in Dhofar. Additional dialysis services have been launched at Taqah Hospital, with extended operating hours in both the morning and evening to accommodate visiting kidney patients. Medical Staff Reinforcements Along Entry Routes Emergency teams and medical staff have also been deployed along the main entry routes into the governorate, including highway checkpoints and border gates, as part of a proactive plan to deal with accidents or sudden health emergencies. 'This includes preparing for cardiac emergencies, trauma cases, or road accidents along the 1,000-km Muscat–Salalah highway,' Dr Al-Qadhi added. 'We've reinforced all key hospitals along the route to absorb potential spikes in emergency cases.' Authorities continue to advise motorists to drive cautiously and follow traffic regulations while travelling to Salalah, especially amid the high volume of vehicles during the holiday period. 'We hope everyone enjoys a safe and healthy Khareef season,' Dr Al-Qadhi said. 'But we also urge the public to remain alert and prioritise safety—it is a shared responsibility.' 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

Zawya
a day ago
- Health
- Zawya
Strengthening Immunity, One Dose at a Time: Malawi's Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV2) Success Story
In the heart of Southern Africa, Malawi has taken a bold step in the fight against polio. After reporting its first case of Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1) after 30 years in 2022, the country responded with urgency and resolve. By May 2024, thanks to multiple vaccination campaigns, vigilant surveillance and strengthened immunization systems, Malawi was declared polio-free once again. But the journey didn't end there. With the looming threat of circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) from neighboring countries, Malawi recognized the need to boost its population's immunity. Backed by GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance funding and guided by the Malawi Immunization Technical Advisory Group (MAITAG), the Ministry of Health introduced the second dose of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV2) into the national immunization schedule in December 2024. This milestone was more than a policy shift—it was a nationwide movement: Over 187,348 eligible children better protected from Polio following vaccination with 2nd Dose of IPV as of April 2025 17,000 health workers were trained across all districts. IPV2 was rolled out in every health facility, including outreach posts in remote areas. Community engagement efforts flourished, with local leaders and health workers leading sensitization campaigns. Data management tools and systems were updated to incorporate the new vaccine In Karonga District, which borders Tanzania and faces high cross-border transmission risk, the rollout was seamless. Health workers reported no challenges, and community members welcomed the new dose with open arms. Mr. Kayuni, an area supervisor with over 20 years of experience in immunization programming within the district, discussed the introduction of IPV2, which aims to enhance protection against the type 2 poliovirus. He noted that due to the anticipated benefits of IPV2, efforts had been increased in community awareness regarding the new dose to reduce vaccine hesitancy for improved coverage. At the Mlongoti outreach post, a structure built by the community demonstrates their support for the health system and immunization program. Suzgika Gondwe, a local mother, expressed her understanding that this dose reduces the risk of polio for her child. Another caregiver, Gift Ngofi, mentioned that she believed in the benefits of the additional dose because the information came from their community health workers. Temwa Kaula supported her community members' opinions, noting no expected harm beyond typical vaccine side effects from the new dose. All three caregivers discussed the overall importance of vaccines, observing fewer illness episodes for their children, decreased hospital visits, and increased time for income-generating activities. This success story is not just about a new vaccine—it's about resilience, trust, and community-driven health progress. With continued support and vigilance, Malawi is not only protecting its children today but also securing a polio-free future for generations to come. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Malawi.

Malay Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Two-tier healthcare or public lifeline? Unpacking the debate over Rakan KKM
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — The Ministry of Health's (MOH) plan to launch its 'Rakan KKM' programme has ignited a fierce public debate. On one side, detractors warn it would create a two-tiered healthcare system that favours wealthier patients using public facilities. On the other, supporters argue the programme could help alleviate the financial strain on government hospitals and clinics while retaining specialist talent. What is Rakan KKM? The programme is a paid-for service envisioned by the MOH to offer 'premium economy' healthcare, encompassing elective procedures and personalised care. According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Rakan KKM will operate within the public healthcare ecosystem but provide services evocative of yet cheaper than commercial hospitals. The ministry aims to launch Rakan KKM by the third quarter of this year at four pilot locations: Hospital Cyberjaya, Hospital Putrajaya, Hospital Sultan Idris Shah Serdang, and the National Cancer Institute (IKN). Why the controversy? Criticism primarily centres on the argument that Rakan KKM amounts to a 'backdoor privatisation' of healthcare facilities and services funded by taxpayer money. Critics argue this will create a two-tiered system, allowing those with money to 'skip the line' for access to public healthcare services and bypass the long waiting lists that currently plague government hospitals under severe cost and manpower strains. They have also homed in on the salaries offered by Rakan KKM, with many top posts advertised with five-figure pay. Detractors have used this to question the MOH's stated inability to absorb thousands of contract health workers into permanent positions. Rakan KKM has so far received an allocation of RM25 million under Budget 2025, with a second phase of funding expected to come from government-linked investment companies (GLICs). The ministry's defence: Public interest, not profit Responding to the backlash, Dzulkefly has stressed that Rakan KKM's conception is underpinned by public interest. He rejected claims of privatisation by highlighting that Rakan KKM Sdn Bhd will remain fully owned by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, which would keep the entity aligned with government objectives. 'When a GLIC investor comes in, the GLIC may take an equity stake in Rakan KKM Sdn Bhd. Ownership of Rakan KKM remains with the government, directly or through GLICs, throughout its operations,' the minister said on the social media platform X on Sunday. He then urged the public to look at the programme's key objectives, which he outlined as: Making healthcare more affordable than fully private options. Using any profits to cross-subsidise regular public healthcare services. Providing better income opportunities for specialists to retain them in the public service. Dzulkefly argues that these goals demonstrate that Rakan KKM is rooted in public service, not profit maximisation.

Zawya
4 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA)'s Sustainable Support for Emergency Medicine Capacity in The Gambia
The Emergency Medicine Capacity Building Program (ATKAP), launched in 2021 by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in cooperation with the Ministries of Health of the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of The Gambia, continues to yield lasting results. The Introduction to Emergency Response Training (ADG+), which started as part of the project, is now delivered by Gambian doctors thanks to the 'training of trainers' model. TİKA continues to support the program by providing modern training equipment. In the second phase of the 2025 program, a total of 50 healthcare providers participated in the training held at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, which included extensive theoretical and practical modules on emergency response, trauma management, disaster planning, and teamwork during crises. With ATKAP, TİKA continues to strengthen local health capacity through similar trainings held in various countries. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).


Arab News
5 days ago
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia to host 8th Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh in October
RIYADH: The eighth annual Global Health Exhibition will take place from Oct. 27 to 30 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday. The aim of the event, the theme for which is 'Invest in Health,' is to help accelerate the transformation of the Kingdom's healthcare sector in line with the goals of the Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, the Saudi Press Agency reported, while strengthening Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for health innovation and investment. The four-day exhibition will give health sector leaders, investors and innovators from around the world the chance to explore partnership and investment opportunities, and showcase the latest advances in healthcare technology, including developments in telemedicine, digital health and preventative care. Organizers hope this year's event will further boost momentum in the rapidly evolving Saudi health sector, building on the success of last year's exhibition that attracted more than 100,000 visitors from 80 countries, who signed deals worth more than SR50 billion ($13.3 billion). The event also reflects the Kingdom's growing influence on the global health stage, according to organizers. Recent Saudi initiatives such as the National Biotechnology Strategy and the hosting of high-profile international gatherings — including the Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance in November 2024, and the upcoming 2nd annual CPHI Middle East pharmaceutical expo scheduled for December — highlight the nation's commitment to shaping the future of healthcare, they said. The exhibition aims to serve as a key platform for fostering collaborations and driving investment in technologies and initiatives that support healthier, more sustainable communities across the region and beyond, the organizers added.