Latest news with #SaidbinHaribalLamki
Observer
17-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
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
Observer
12-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
MoH launches EBS project, public health empowerment programme
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Health (MoH), represented by the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, on Monday launched the Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) project, along with the graduation of two new cohorts of national professionals from Frontline Public Health Empowerment Programme in Field Epidemiology Training Programme - (Frontline FETP). The event was held under the auspices of Dr Said bin Harib al Lamki, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs. Dr Amal al Ma'ani, MoH's Director-General of Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasised that this achievement comes as part of a national initiative aimed at strengthening the early warning system and rapid response to health events, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040, which places human health and safety at the core of its priorities. She stated that Event-Based Surveillance is not just a system — it rather represents a qualitative leap towards smart and early detection of unconventional health signals, through integration among the health, environmental and animal sectors, and by activating the 'One Health' approach. Dr Heather Burke, the Regional Director of the Middle East and North Africa for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gave a presentation in which she stated: 'We are proud to see this system now being implemented across all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman to support the already well-established Indicator-Based Surveillance system. We are confident that this system will further enhance Oman's position as a model for early warning and response systems, thereby strengthening epidemic intelligence in the country.' Dr Adel al Wahaibi, Director of Epidemiological Surveillance in the Ministry of Health, highlighted the Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) project. He discussed its concept, the differences between it and the Indicator-Based Surveillance system and its components. He highlighted Oman's efforts to develop this system, which include the creation of a national electronic platform, the preparation of operational manuals and standardised forms, conducting a pilot study in Al Sharqiyah North and Al Dakhiliyah governorates, and training personnel, following the 'One Health' approach. Dr Abdullah al Manji, Epidemiologist at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, explained that the programme serves as an applied educational platform that combines both theoretical and field-based learning. This programme has resulted in the graduation of four cohorts of national competencies so far, serving as a successful model for enhancing the national readiness to tackle health challenges. These initiatives aim to enhance early warning capabilities for health threats, particularly in light of growing epidemiological and health challenges at both local and global levels. The Event-Based Surveillance project represents a strategic transformation in Oman's epidemiological monitoring system. It is designed to enhance the health system's capacity for early detection of health threats and effective response. This project complements the Indicator-Based Surveillance (IBS) programme, reinforcing the concept of 'epidemiological vigilance' across Oman. EBS works by collecting and analysing data from a wide range of sources, including health centres, schools and local communities, while leveraging modern technology to improve operational efficiency and the overall effectiveness of the system. The Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP) is designed to strengthen the skills of professionals working in the health sector and related fields by developing their capabilities in disease surveillance, health data analysis and outbreak investigation.
Observer
20-04-2025
- Health
- Observer
MoH meeting aims to enhance emergency management
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Health (MoH), represented by Centre for Emergency Management, organised the first meeting of the National Risk Register on Sunday. The meeting aims to enhance emergency and health risk management. It also reviewed risk mitigation procedures and examined risk management mechanisms and methodologies in line with global standards. In his opening remarks, Dr Mohammed bin Saif al Busaidy, Director of the Centre for Emergency Management at the Ministry of Health, stated, "This strategic project represents a significant step towards building an integrated national system for monitoring, analysing and assessing health risks." The meeting featured several visual presentations on risk management, environmental hazards, risks related to zoonotic and plant diseases, human infectious disease risks and cybersecurity threats. The session was attended by Dr Said bin Harib al Lamki, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs and head of the health sector in the National Risk Register, along with representatives from health and academic institutions. - ONA
Observer
16-02-2025
- Health
- Observer
Muscat hosts 15th International Oncology Conference
MUSCAT: The 15th Muscat International Oncology Conference commenced on Sunday, focusing on the latest advancements in oncology research and treatment. The event aims to foster collaboration among oncology specialists and facilitate knowledge exchange. Dr Suad bint Sulaiman al Kharousiyah, Oncology Consultant and Director of the National Oncology Centre, emphasised the conference's role in raising cancer awareness and promoting strategies for combating the disease. She highlighted the platform's value in enabling experts to share insights and innovations. The conference discussed the role in raising cancer awareness and strategies for combating the disease Organised by the Oman Oncology Association in collaboration with the Royal Hospital and the Sultan Qaboos Centre for Cancer Care and Research, the two-day event features scientific lectures and workshops on diverse cancer treatment topics. Discussions include experiences from Eastern Mediterranean countries on decentralising cancer treatment, strategies for implementation in Arab societies, and addressing the rising costs of cancer medications. Key sessions also cover treatment approaches for early-stage lung cancer, complex radiotherapy cases and urogenital tumours. The conference was inaugurated under the auspices of Dr Said bin Harib al Lamki, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs. - ONA
Observer
13-02-2025
- Health
- Observer
Mobile testing lab to detect poliovirus in wastewater launches
MUSCAT: Acting in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health (MoH), on Thursday celebrated the opening of a mobile standard laboratory for environmental diagnostic testing of poliovirus. The ministry was represented at the event by the Public Health Laboratories at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. In a speech on the occasion, Dr Said bin Harib al Lamki, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs (the chief guest), stressed the significance of cooperation and strategic partnership between the MoH and the WHO in conducting many health programmes and initiatives, including efforts to monitor and eradicate polio. For his part, Dr Jean Yaacoub Jabbour, WHO Representative in the Sultanate of Oman, said that the opening of the laboratory reflects the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to eradicate poliovirus worldwide. He added that Oman joined the ranks of countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region that implement environmental monitoring. Jabbour pointed out that the laboratory not only helps in detecting poliovirus in wastewater, but also acts as an early warning system for poliovirus transmission. Oman's Poliovirus Standard Environmental Diagnostic Laboratory is a WHO-accredited laboratory that forms part of environmental surveillance systems and detects poliovirus in environmental water samples like wastewater. The establishment of the new lab represents a step forward in enhancing the quality of health services in the Sultanate of Oman. Its opening underlines the Health Ministry's ongoing efforts to improve diagnostic and epidemiological surveillance capabilities in a manner that improves community health. The lab tests stool samples from children with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) or show polio-like symptoms from countries in the region. Health laboratories constitute the cornerstone of efforts to combat infectious diseases and enhance rapid response to epidemics and health challenges. Through this project, the Ministry of Health seeks to establish a modern infrastructure equipped with the latest technologies and international standards that would provide accurate, high-quality laboratory services. The Environmental Poliovirus Surveillance System (EPSS) is intended to enhance polio surveillance in the Sultanate of Oman. Its establishment will complement the AFP surveillance system aimed to enhance polio surveillance and ensure early detection of poliovirus in humans or the environment. — ONA
