Latest news with #SaeedbinHarebalLamki
Muscat Daily
11-05-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman boosts disease surveillance with new system
Muscat – The Ministry of Health (MoH) will officially launch its Event-Based Surveillance System project on Monday, alongside a ceremony marking the graduation of two new cohorts from the Public Health Empowerment Programme (PHEP), specialising in the Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP Frontline). The event, to be held under the patronage of H E Dr Saeed bin Hareb al Lamki, Undersecretary for Health Affairs in MoH, will bring together officials from various government sectors, besides the health. H E Dr Saeed bin Hareb al Lamki The new surveillance system, developed in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), aims to enhance Oman's ability to detect and respond to health threats. It complements the existing Indicator-Based Surveillance Programme, reinforcing the concept of 'epidemiological vigilance' by providing real-time data from health centres, schools, and community channels. The system uses advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency and accelerate response times, aligning with Oman's broader strategy to strengthen its public health infrastructure. The project has already been rolled out nationwide, following the training of essential personnel across all governorates. So far, 188 participants from key sectors, including the Environment Authority, municipalities, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, have been trained in surveillance mechanisms. The ministry also developed a scientific manual and tailored training methodologies to guide the implementation, supported by workshops and field trials. The initiative has improved early warning systems, enhanced outbreak response, and strengthened multi-sectoral collaboration, aligning with the 'One Health' approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health efforts. The PHEP, launched in August 2022, underpins this effort, offering a hybrid learning model that combines classroom instruction with practical field training. To date, 102 participants from the health sector and related fields have graduated, supported by 20 specialised mentors.
Muscat Daily
17-03-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
National project launched in Oman to combat diabetic retinopathy
Muscat – A national programme has been launched to improve the detection and management of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among diabetic patients. It integrates artificial intelligence (AI) technology to reduce the risk of vision loss and provide timely intervention for individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. As the third country globally to implement an AI-powered diabetic retinopathy screening programme, Oman is positioning itself at the forefront of healthcare innovation. The initiative aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and expand early detection services. The programme was inaugurated by H E Saeed bin Hamood al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, in the presence of key health officials on Monday. H E Dr Saeed bin Hareb al Lamki, Undersecretary for Health Affairs in Ministry of Health, described the programme as part of a broader government strategy to integrate advanced technologies into healthcare. 'It will improve the screening process by accommodating more patients, reducing waiting time at eye clinics and expanding early detection services across healthcare institutions,' he said. 'This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for diabetic patients by detecting diabetic retinopathy early and enabling timely treatment.' H E Dr Saeed bin Hareb al Lamki, Undersecretary for Health Affairs in Ministry of Health Initially, 25 healthcare facilities across the sultanate will be equipped with advanced retinal imaging devices, strategically chosen to ensure accessibility for patients nationwide. 'The programme is also expected to have an economic impact by reducing the long-term costs associated with treating advanced diabetic eye disease,' H E Dr Lamki added. With 15% of Oman's adult population affected by diabetes, the risk of diabetic retinopathy remains a major public health concern. The programme seeks to establish a nationwide framework for early detection and management, reducing the incidence of blindness and improving access to quality eye care. AI technology will play a crucial role in screening, using machine learning and computer vision to analyse retinal images and differentiate between healthy and affected retinas. This approach is expected to enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and ease the burden on healthcare professionals. Future plans include expanding the programme to additional health centres and launching new screening initiatives for conditions such as glaucoma and keratoconus. Virtual health solutions and connected devices will also be introduced to reduce pressure on specialist clinics. A key long-term goal is development of a local AI engine trained on Omani retinal images, further strengthening the sultanate's healthcare capabilities.
