October 3, 2024, Oman – An auspicious chapter in public health unfolded as Dr. Hanan Balkhy, the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, embarked on her inaugural official visit to the Sultanate of Oman from September 30 to October 3. During her stay, she engaged with H.E. Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Oman’s Minister of Health, along with senior officials, and actively participated in the groundbreaking First Omani Healthy City Conference held in the picturesque Salalah of Dhofar Governorate.
“My discussions with H.E. Dr. Al Sabti were not just meetings; they marked a pivotal moment in our shared mission to uplift public health standards. The prospects of collaboration between Oman and WHO are more promising than ever as we endeavor to enhance health outcomes universally across our region,” Dr. Balkhy expressed with palpable enthusiasm.
In a display of unity, she was joined by Dr. Adham Ismail Abdel Moneim, Regional Director of Programme Management, and Dr. Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative to Oman, for a series of discussions with healthcare practitioners at various esteemed institutions, including the Royal Hospital and the National Diabetes and Endocrine Centre (NDEC).
Dr. Balkhy lauded the Royal Hospital’s unwavering dedication to patient safety, particularly praising its involvement in the WHO Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Initiative. At the NDEC, conversations revolved around innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies combating diabetes mellitus, underscoring health challenges prevalent in the region.
As she toured the University Medical City and a primary health care facility, Dr. Balkhy offered heartfelt commendations to the frontline healthcare providers dedicatedly serving the community. Conversations centered on fortifying collaborative efforts, with a focus on WHO’s invaluable support in realizing the ambitious Oman Vision 2040 – a vision that seeks to bolster universal health coverage with equitable and sustainable service delivery.
Amidst high-level dialogues, Dr. Balkhy took a prominent role in inaugurating the First Omani Healthy City Conference, a significant congregation of experts and stakeholders dedicated to the exchange of best practices, innovative solutions, and strategic planning aimed at invigorating the Healthy City initiative.
Expressing her admiration for the initiatives undertaken, Dr. Balkhy remarked, “This visit has been nothing short of enlightening. Witnessing the commendable advancements in health, alongside the impactful outcomes of the Healthy City Conference, has been immensely gratifying. The initiatives we’ve explored align seamlessly with our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Further enriching her visit, Dr. Balkhy explored the Qayroon Hayriti Primary Health Centre, where she engaged with healthcare personnel to discuss the centre’s pivotal role in delivering essential services to a geographically challenged local populace.
Wrapping up her first day in Dhofar, Dr. Balkhy took part in a spirited “Walk the Talk: Health for All” event, designed to spotlight the necessity of physical activity and foster community participation in the pursuit of healthier lifestyles. The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and WHO Oman, witnessed overwhelming turnout by local residents of all ages, eager to promote wellness.
The second day unfolded with visits to the Sultan Qaboos Royal Hospital and Salalah Heart Centre, where Dr. Balkhy engaged in meaningful dialogues with patients and healthcare professionals, absorbing insights into their daily challenges. She was particularly impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities at the Salalah Heart Centre, recognizing its role in enhancing accessibility by minimizing the distance patients must travel for specialized care.
In a final flourish of her visit, Dr. Balkhy toured Awqad Primary Health Care Centre, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of digitalization on healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Dr. Jabbour encapsulated the essence of the visit: “This engagement by the Regional Director reinforces WHO’s steadfast commitment to collaborating with the Government and health authorities through a holistic approach to fortifying health services and confronting public health challenges.”
As she concluded her remarks at the First Omani Healthy City Conference, Dr. Balkhy reaffirmed, “The past days have solidified our robust partnership and collective determination toward achieving universal health coverage. Together, as we traverse regional complexities, I hold unwavering confidence that our collaboration will further fortify health systems and elevate the well-being of all individuals, both in Oman and throughout our Region.”
