The Directorate General of Health Services in South Al Batinah organized the First Scientific Research Forum under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Masoud bin Saeed Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah, and in the presence of Dr. Nasser bin Abdullah Al Shukaili, Director General of Health Services in South Al Batinah, along with a number of dignitaries, officials, healthcare professionals, and academic representatives. The forum aimed to promote a culture of scientific research and support innovation in the healthcare sector.

The forum began with a welcoming speech delivered by Ms. Rahma bint Hamad Al Ghadhaniyah, Director of the Health Planning and Organization Department, in which she highlighted the Directorate’s efforts in supporting scientific research and empowering national competencies. The forum also included a visual presentation showcasing the key achievements in scientific research at South Al Batinah Health.

Dr. Tawfiq bin Taqi Al Lawati, Chairman of the Scientific Research Committee at South Al Batinah Health, delivered a speech highlighting the committee’s role in supporting researchers and strengthening the research environment. The forum also featured several specialized scientific presentations, including “The Future of Health Research in the Sultanate of Oman” and another presentation on the “Competency-Based Institutional Funding Program.”

The forum also witnessed the honoring of the five winning research projects. The first-place award was presented to the research titled: “Prevalence of Depression Among Omani Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in South Al Batinah Governorate, Sultanate of Oman: A Cross-Sectional Study,” by Dr. Laila bint Mohammed Al Mibahisiyah.

Following the recognition ceremony, presentations of the winning research projects were delivered, followed by a discussion session addressing key issues and challenges related to scientific research, as well as ways to develop the research environment and enhance innovation in the healthcare sector.

Special thanks and appreciation are extended to Ribat Center for Initiatives and Community Responsibility for their generous support of the forum.