Muscat: On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) signed a significant agreement to create a National Rehabilitation Centre, with generous funding from Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Bahwan.
This agreement is intended to support the development of a rehabilitation and healthcare facility for both adults and children in the South Al Batinah Governorate.
Dr. Abdullah bin Hamoud Al-Harthy, International Relations Advisor at the Minister’s Office, noted that this National Rehabilitation Centre will be the first of its kind in Oman, designed to connect healthcare and community services to assist individuals recovering from accidents, sports injuries, and other conditions, catering to both adults and children.
He further explained that the Centre will collaborate with healthcare institutions throughout Oman, including the Medical City for Military and Security Services and the University Medical City. This initiative is anticipated to deliver high-quality, comprehensive rehabilitation services, leveraging the latest technologies and methodologies to improve quality of life, facilitate reintegration, and promote social engagement.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Harthy emphasized that the centre will offer specialized rehabilitation services, such as neurological rehabilitation, burn and muscle rehabilitation, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, in addition to a range of other comprehensive services.
Dr. Ali bin Abdulhussain Al-Lawati, Advisor for Engineering Affairs at the Minister’s Office, mentioned that this project is part of a broader initiative in the South Al Batinah Governorate, where health-related projects will span an area of 700,000 square meters on the same site designated for the rehabilitation centre.
He mentioned that the National Rehabilitation Centre will include various specialized departments such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, prosthetics, along with administrative sections, a training and research facility, workshops, and storage areas.
Officer Ahmed bin Muslim Al-Rowas, the Assistant Chairman for Administrative Affairs and Human Resources at the Medical City for Military and Security Services, highlighted that the Centre exemplifies the collaboration and integration among all healthcare institutions in the Sultanate of Oman.
He further stated that this centre will improve the quality of healthcare services in this sector, enhancing their effectiveness and ensuring comprehensive and efficient care for patients within these institutions. This initiative supports a unified vision focused on promoting the health of individuals and the community.
Al-Rowas also noted that this collaboration and integration will help reduce service gaps, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate rehabilitation care.
Thakiya Said Al-Noobi, a Senior Specialist in Prosthetics and Orthopedics at the Directorate General of Al-Khoula Hospital, clarified that the National Rehabilitation Centre will function under unified frameworks, policies, and evidence-based protocols for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to guarantee effective care. Additionally, it will act as a research and academic hub dedicated to enhancing and developing the skills of human resources in this field, ensuring ongoing professional growth.
Al-Noobi further mentioned that the Centre will feature specialized teams aimed at assisting patients in reintegrating into society. It will also gather a distinguished group of specialists, including rehabilitation practitioners, neurologists, neurosurgeons, general practitioners, rehabilitation therapists, nursing care professionals, and experts in prosthetics and orthotics.
The agreement aims to promote sustainable financing for healthcare services by exploring alternative methods to ensure ongoing enhancement. Additionally, it focuses on streamlining processes, reinforcing partnerships, and fostering engagement and collaboration within the community.
This initiative also strives to improve the quality of healthcare services, facilitating the integration of both public and private sectors, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and its objectives.
