Muscat – Ministry of Health (MoH) signed an agreement with Al Salwa Healthcare and Services Company on Monday, in coordination with Ministry of Finance, in a move to boost private sector investment in public healthcare infrastructure.

The partnership will focus on operating and managing the newly established Recovery Centre in Suhar, aimed at treating and rehabilitating individuals struggling with drug and substance addiction.

The agreement was signed by H E Dr Ahmed bin Salim al Mandhari, MoH Undersecretary for Planning and Health Regulation, and Ali Kamal Dawood, Chairman of Board of Directors of Al Salwa Healthcare and Services Company. The signing ceremony was attended by Mahmoud bin Abdullah al Awaini, Secretary-General of Ministry of Finance, and other senior officials.

Under the 12-year contract, Al Salwa Healthcare will manage the centre’s operations, including 30 rehabilitation beds and a detoxification unit with capacity of 25 beds in its first phase.

Privately funded by Jusoor Foundation, the new Recovery Centre will feature inpatient uni-ts, a psychological counselling facility, a training and development hall, a vocational and craft training centre, outpatient clinics and administrative offices. Additional facilities will include prayer roo-ms, security posts, maintenance equipment, and multi-purpose indoor and outdoor facilities.

The centre aims to fill gaps in the existing addiction recovery services provided by MoH and public sector initiatives. It will offer aftercare and rehabilitation programmes while collaborating with public and private entities to provide support for recovering addicts.

A key focus will be on minimising the risk of relapse by helping individuals develop skills for lifestyle changes, fostering independence, and enhancing social and economic reintegration through job training. The centre also seeks to reduce the health and social challenges linked to substance abuse by encouraging community involvement and support.

On a broader level, the centre will contribute to addressing the social risks associated with addiction by raising public awareness, particularly among youth and vulnerable groups, and promoting healthier lifestyle choices.