17-05-2025
MoH organises dermatology forum
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with Oman Dermatology Society (ODS), organised the second Muscat Dermatology Forum at the W Hotel Muscat, on Saturday.
The forum aimed to inform primary healthcare physicians about common skin conditions, how to diagnose and treat them early in primary care and when to refer patients to a dermatologist. The forum also aimed to improve patient care in primary healthcare centres, reduce inappropriate referrals and shorten long waiting lists.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Said bin Harib al Lamki, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs.
The forum brought together 200 participants primary healthcare physicians as well as dermatologists from inside and outside the Sultanate of Oman who participated in person and via videoconference.
In her opening remarks, Dr Aisha al Ali, Consultant Dermatologist, Head of Al Khuwair Dermatology Centre, and Chairperson of Oman Dermatology Association, said: 'The forum focuses primarily on the importance of building constructive and effective communication channels between specialised dermatology care and primary care based on the principle that the integration of roles is the foundation for providing comprehensive and sustainable healthcare to patients.' She noted that many skin diseases begin with minor symptoms that can be efficiently treated in primary healthcare institutions provided that physicians in health centres possess appropriate training and knowledge in early diagnosis and are familiar with available treatment options.
The forum discussed several topics related to dermatology diseases encountered by doctors in health centres, training on early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, dermatological emergencies including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema), rashes during pregnancy, hair disorders and psoriatic arthritis.
The forum displayed dermatological products including therapeutic and cosmetic preparations in addition to modern medical devices used in the treatment of dermatological diseases with the participation of several pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies.
Attendees watched a visual presentation of the forum's initial outcomes and results. The chief guest honoured the speakers and chairpersons of the dialogue and discussion sessions from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman and honoured the forum's sponsors from government agencies and private sector institutions. — ONA
