Within the framework of reviewing and developing the health system across the country, addressing the challenges, and discussing solutions, the six edition of the Ministry of Health’s Health Leaders Forum commenced today (Wednesday) at Bait Al Zubair Museum, Muscat.
The forum was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Hilal Ali Al-Sabti, Minister of Health, with the presence of H.E. Sayyid Saud Hilal Al-Busaidi, Governor of Muscat.
The two-day forum, which holds the theme of "Integration and Elevation", joined the Ministry’s Undersecretaries, Directors General of Health Services, Hospital Directors from various Governorates, and Directors of departments affiliated with the Office of the Minister.
His Excellency the Health Minister emphasized the significance of holding these regular forums and maintaining communication with those responsible for health services at both the central level and in the governorates, to discuss the current state of these services, review their challenges, and explore solutions.
He also stressed the necessity of listening to the public's opinions and aspirations regarding the improvement of health services, which is their rightful entitlement, being key partners.
Meanwhile, His Excellency the Governor of Muscat confirmed that the Governorate is committed to creating a sustainable health environment through various projects and initiatives. These include parks and walking paths aligned with urban planning principles, increasing green spaces to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and promote physical activity.
H.E. Sayyid Al Busaidi applauded the municipal system in the organizational, legislative, and regulatory aspects, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure a healthy environment for public health activities, and further commended efforts of the Health Committees at Walis offices, acknowledging their positive contributions to achieving "health for all" approach and enhancing health services.
Moreover, Dr. Samira Al-Maimani, from Muscat Health discussed indicators related to non-communicable diseases and public health in the governorate, and highlighted key topics such as professional development, legislation, policies, sustainability of health services, and digital transformation.
Following this, the "Tatweer" innovation initiative exhibition was inaugurated, where the Health Minister and the Governor of Muscat toured the exhibition and listened to a detailed explanation of its contents. The innovation initiative is an outcome of the " Tatweer " innovation lab, established in response to the recommendations made during the Fourth Health Leaders Forum held in January of the previous year.
The first day of the forum included a workshop on Health Economics and a presentation on the design of the social protection system.
The first day concluded with a panel discussion on financing the health sector and enhancing the efficiency of projects. Speakers included Hilal Al-Sarmi, Executive Director of the "Athar" Health Endowment Foundation, Rashid Al-Agbari, Investment Advisor, and Dr. Mousa bin Hamad Al-Subhi, Specialist in Health Economics. The session was moderated by Dr. Sultana Al-Sabahi, Specialist in Health Economics and Evidence-Based Decision-Making Support at MOH.
The forum seeks to strengthen efforts aimed at empowering health leaders at both the central and governorate levels in Oman to actively participate in the health sector, improve their ability to make timely decisions, and enhance their knowledge and awareness to enable them to make informed health decisions for a rapid response to the challenges facing the health sector, as well as to foster a motivating work environment that attracts and retains human resources to ensure job satisfaction, and to review and present initiatives aimed at developing the health system.
