Muscat – Presence of health clinics in 94% of schools across the sultanate is a testimony of priority that Oman accords to health and well-being of children attending schools.

This was stated by H E Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, while noting that “school health remains pivotal in our health promotion strategy” given the fact that “our school-going population forms the very foundation of our society’s future”.

In alignment with this, the ministry, through its Department of School and University Health, endeavours to foster a conducive school environment for holistic student development – spanning physical, psychological, and social spheres.

Latest statistics show around 732 nurses are actively providing school health services.

Reflecting the nation’s forward-thinking ethos, the National School Health Strategy resonates with Oman Vision 2040’s objectives – establishing a globally benchmarked health system. This vision entails delivering comprehensive and equitable health care throughout Oman’s governorates.

For the academic year 2023-24, H E Dr Sabti elucidates the ministry’s plans to further elevate the health prospects of the school-going community.

“Our intent is holistic. By nurturing our students, we indirectly uplift the general health of our entire community,” he said. The approach is comprehensive: School health awareness, mental health, nutrition, and family and community engagement, to name a few.

Notably, the ministry’s health blueprint for the upcoming year encompasses a myriad of programmes targeting students across different educational levels. H E Dr Sabti particularly highlighted three core initiatives – expansive immunisation for children from grades 1 to 6, an all-encompassing health awareness and education programme, and initiative for health promotion in different schools .

He further outlined four early detection services offered by the ministry, ranging from comprehensive medical examinations for specific grades to specialised programmes for eye, oral, dental, and ear health.

Beyond school premises, university health is also on the agenda. The ministry laid out a variety of programmes tailored for higher education institutions.