Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has directed the allocation of RO1mn to support medical treatment of zakat-eligible citizens in private healthcare institutions, through the Waqf Health Foundation ‘Athar’.

Announced by Ministry of Health, the initiative seeks to ensure access to healthcare for those who cannot afford private treatment. It also reflects efforts to strengthen social solidarity and expand healthcare access in line with Oman Vision 2040.

Dr Hilal Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, said the directive will help zakat-eligible patients receive guaranteed treatment in private facilities. “This support opens doors to medical care and brings reassurance for recovery. We are committed to ensuring this aid reaches beneficiaries with fairness and transparency,” he said.

Dr Mohammed Said al Ma’amari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, described the directive as a gesture that embodies His Majesty’s continuous care for citizens. He noted that zakat has always been a bridge of solidarity and compassion, and that providing healthcare to those in need preserves dignity and strengthens community welfare.

The directive is designed to cover specialised treatment in private institutions, including surgical and radiological services, helping to reduce waiting lists in government hospitals. Registration opens on September 10 through zakat committees of governorates and will continue for two weeks. Applicants must be listed as zakat-eligible and provide medical reports from government healthcare institutions.

Dr Sami Sulaiman al Farsi, Director General of National Centre for Women and Children’s Health, said the directive will have a positive impact on family stability and quality of life.

Dr Abeer Abdullah al Ma’amari, who will oversee the project, added that it represents a new model for using zakat funds through a partnership between public and private sectors, aligned with Oman Vision 2040.

According to Hilal Hamad al Sarimi, Executive Director of Athar, the directive reflects the leadership’s commitment to social development and will strengthen cooperation between zakat institutions and healthcare providers, while Dr Mohammed Salim al Kharusi, Director of the Zakat Department in Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, said it will relieve the financial burden of many families.

The Royal directive is expected to create a sustainable framework for integrating zakat resources with healthcare delivery, ensuring wider access to treatment for vulnerable groups while also supporting growth in the private health sector.