Muscat – Ministry of Health (MoH) is preparing an integrated plan for the 2025-2026 academic year to enhance student health in schools and universities, spread health awareness and ensure early detection of diseases. Officials said the initiative aims to provide a safe educational environment that supports academic achievement and overall well-being.

Dr Shamsa bint Ahmed al Harthi, Acting Director of School and University Health Department, said school and university health services are a key pillar of public health, providing programmes that protect students while equipping them with knowledge and skills to adopt healthy lifestyles.

She said health personnel will offer a wide package of services, including comprehensive medical check-ups for students in grades 1, 7 and 10 to detect health issues early and ensure proper follow-up. Vision tests will be conducted for grade 1 and 4 students, while hearing tests are planned for first graders to identify conditions that could affect learning and speech.

Health education programmes will also target students, teachers and parents to raise awareness and encourage healthy behaviours, Dr Shamsa added.

At the university level, the ministry will provide a range of services, including youth counselling, mental health support, health promotion programmes, first aid and special follow-up for chronic cases. Campus clinics will be monitored to ensure full readiness, with regular supervisory visits and training for healthcare staff.

Yusra bint Faqir al Balushi, Senior Specialist Nurse in School Health Department, said all school health clinics are being equipped with the necessary medical supplies ahead of the new year.

She added that several specialised initiatives will continue, including the Health-Promoting Schools Initiative, psychosocial support for students, awareness programmes on drugs and psychotropic substances, adolescent and girls’ health programmes, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for Grade 11 students and teachers to prepare them for emergencies.