Muscat – The Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with World Health Organization, launched a Leadership Development Programme for mid-level healthcare workers on Sunday.

The programme underscores the ministry’s commitment to fostering sustained leadership and aims to establish a seamless management framework for healthcare.

The event was presided over by H E Dr Hilal Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, and attended by guests such as Dr Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative in Oman.

Emphasising the role of leadership in healthcare, H E Sabti highlighted the programme’s objective of building the next cadre of health leaders. “Over the next six months, we’ll be selecting participants for advanced training in health systems and hospital management in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Management.”

Explaining the programme’s goal to enable middle management in healthcare, Dr Nasser al Azri, Director General of Administrative Affairs at MoH, said, “We’ve meticulously tailored the programme’s content based on an in-depth field study, identifying the skill sets required for effective hospital and health institution management.”

The programme consists of two distinct modules: one for current hospital directors and those in similar leadership roles, and another for staff chosen through a selection process.

Dr Azri added that 38 participants have been enrolled from various health institutions, including MoH, Medical City for Military and Security Units, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and the Diwan of Royal Court.

Spread over three days, the programme’s inaugural module focuses on imparting essential concepts and methodologies in leadership and healthcare management. These include skill refinement in planning, organisation and team-building, as well as creating transformative changes in the healthcare system. Another major aim is to facilitate experience sharing and improve communication among participants, thereby elevating the community’s overall health.

Designed to relieve the workload of existing leaders and provide a smooth transition for those nearing retirement, the Leadership Development Programme addresses the burgeoning demand for capable leadership. It also aims to counter high attrition rates at senior levels, caused by individuals leaving for more promising opportunities, either domestically or internationally.