Wednesday 18 / September / 2024
Muscat: A number of citizens affirmed to the Oman News Agency that the social protection system would achieve social benefits and contribute to improving the quality of life, as it encompasses all segments of society by providing adequate and fair social protection, insurance coverage, strengthening community partnership and preserving the rights of current and future generations.
Mubarak bin Khamis Al-Hamdani said that there is no doubt that the subject (social protection policies) and its system is one of the landmark decisions of the new development model of the Sultanate of Oman, and in reality, social policy cannot be separated from the other components of public policies such as economic and labour market policies.
He said that the current effort to establish an integrated legislative, institutional and systemic framework for social protection would allow policy makers in the Sultanate of Oman to make clearer and more accurate choices, stressing the importance of the social protection system, as it will undoubtedly help in the formation of an integrated database on the conditions of society in Oman. He added this is an important beginning for drawing up social policies and understanding the nature of societal structure, especially in terms of income and entitlement to aid.
He pointed out that the social protection system will contribute to better directing of social benefits and assistance to the needy groups, and it is consistent with the development of specific groups, enabling them improve their quality of life, especially groups of children, elderly and women of the childbearing and childbirth ages. He indicated that the system will push society towards greater empowerment of needy groups, and the provision of an integrated framework for social care that targets the individual from the age of birth until after death.
He pointed out that the governance of this system within an inclusive legislative and institutional framework would make the issue of addressing policy gaps possible, and would assist the social policy maker in selecting and devising programmes and initiatives that would empower some societal groups to achieve two basic goals: Ensuring the vitality of all social groups , access to a reasonable social standard with their economic integration on the one hand, and revitalising the economy and preserving the continuity of societal stability.
Huda bint Salem Al Khatri explained that the social protection system is one of the basic pillars of any country, and it aims to provide support and care to the needy groups, improve the quality of life of individuals and meet their basic needs in the field of healthcare, housing, education and income.
She added that social protection systems differ from one country to another due to their impact on the economic, social and political factors of each country, and this system is one of the most important pillars of comprehensive development, as it works to achieve social equality, address the social and economic challenges facing some groups of people and provide a better opportunity for development.
And she emphasised that the social protection system adopts programmes and services for financial assistance, insurance, pension systems, and social protection for people with disabilities, elderly, children, and groups with economic and social needs, its implementation will enhance social stability and achieve social solidarity in society.
She also stressed that the social life system will contribute to enhancing social equity and improving health and education, in addition to enhancing social equity and reducing the gap between social classes, which will lead to increasing solidarity among members of society. Considering that the social protection system is an essential tool for achieving social development, she said it would achieve a sustainable economic system and ensure a decent life for all members of society.
For his part, Dr. Rajab bin Ali Al Awisi stressed that the upcoming entitlements drawn by the social protection system at the individual, institutional and societal levels, in light of the changes taking place and the economic and social data, reflects the priority of the citizen in the Royal vision, and the concern and keenness of His Majesty the Sultan to provide a decent life and safe living for the citizen. The pillars, goals, strategies and features of the upcoming transformation that this system holds will have a big impact on general social behaviour, he added.
He stated that the social protection system can create opportunities for building, positivity, giving without limits, and work non-stop to mobilise Omanis.
For her part, Dr. Amal bint Talib Al-Jahwari said that the social protection system constitutes an important landmark of the national building that comes in line with the requirements of "Oman Vision 2040", and is consistent with many directions to achieve and implement the government's vision and policy related to social protection, which seeks to provide coverage and adequate social protection for all segments of society, and the establishment of an integrated and sustainable system of social protection.
She added that the system reflects its great importance on the one hand, and the citizens' sense of care that Oman's renewed renaissance is working on under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to raise the efficiency of the state's administrative apparatus in a way that contributes to improving the services and benefits provided to citizens.
Salem bin Ali Al Harthy said that the social protection system is an important pillar for any society that aims to ensure the well-being and security of its citizens and includes a wide range of policies, programmes and initiatives designed to protect individuals and societies from various risks and vulnerabilities, such as disease, disability, old age, and others.
In the same context, Madreen bint Khamis Al Maktoumi said that the social protection system comes at a defining stage in the history of the Sultanate of Oman, as it would eliminate some of the challenges that were facing many initiatives aimed at serving Omani citizen, and among its benefits that will directly benefit citizens and residents.
