Muscat – In a move to improve healthcare access in remote parts of the sultanate, Ministry of Health (MoH) has launched a new initiative called ‘Dermatology Services in the Heart of Villages’.

The initiative, which has commenced in villages across Dhofar, aims to deliver diagnostic and treatment services for a range of skin conditions directly to residents in rural communities. The ministry plans to expand the initiative to Al Wusta and other governorates in the coming months.

In a statement, MoH said the initiative seeks to reduce the need for patients in remote areas to travel long distances to access specialist dermatology services. By providing these services locally, the ministry hopes to ensure early detection and timely treatment of skin diseases, while also raising awareness of preventive healthcare.

The medical teams are led by Dr Ahmed al Waili, Senior Consultant Dermatologist at University Medical City. Services offered under the initiative include free consultations, clinical examinations and on-site treatment for residents.

The ministry added that the initiative includes community awareness sessions on common skin conditions, hygiene and methods of prevention – particularly important for villages with limited access to healthcare facilities.

MoH reaffirmed that the initiative forms part of its broader national strategy to promote equitable healthcare coverage and improve the quality of medical services across all governorates.