Thursday 18 / April / 2024
Muscat: The Sultanate participated in the virtual meeting of the Executive Board of World Health Organization on Monday. A delegation led by Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health and First Deputy of WHO-EB, took part in the meeting.
In his speech, Dr. Al Saidi commended the WHO on the framework structure of the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030, with its seven global strategic objectives, five strategies, six principles, and five milestones.
Al Saidi stated that in the context of COVID-19, patient safety was the focus of Oman’s health emergency preparedness and response, through different initiatives to minimise the risk of transmission.
He added that having a wide-reaching network of primary healthcare facilities throughout the country proved to be an advantage in terms of preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as it facilitated more streamlined triage and testing, resulting in lower transmission rates.
The health minister emphasised that patient safety is a top priority in Oman’s health strategy, since it contributes significantly to the improvement of the overall health of the population, aiming to make sure that patients receive highly safe and quality health services at all healthcare facilities in Oman.
He added that this action plan represents a comprehensive reference for member states to develop their national strategies and operational plans towards enhancing patient safety. It is also fully aligned with the Sustainable Developmental Goals and closely mapped with the WHA resolution 72.6.
The Health Minister stressed that global action on patient safety is at the core of many other global health issues and Sustainable Development Goals.
It relates not only to people-centric, but also to hygiene, expanded access to information and technology, innovation, expanded healthcare coverage, adequate infrastructure, and international cooperation.
The meeting highlighted health emergencies including preparedness and response particularly COVID-19 response where updates on activities to combat the pandemic of coronavirus (COVID-19) were provided. The Board also noted a report on strengthening WHO’s global emergency preparedness and response.
The nine-day 148th session of the Executive Board focused on main pillars including one billion more people benefitting from universal coverage, one billion more people better protected from health emergencies, one billion more people enjoying better health and well-being, and more effective and efficient WHO providing better support to countries.
The meeting reviewed report of the regional committees to the Executive Board and considered the recommendations and comments of the regional committees. In addition, it touched upon the report of the Programme, Budget and Administration Committee of the Executive Board as well as reports relevant to the progress achieved in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health.
Moreover, the Board advised countries to continue intensifying activities for containment of polioviruses and ratified a regional strategy to enhance access to medicines and vaccines.
The Sultanate’s delegation included Dr. Saeed Al Lamki, Director General of Primary Healthcare, Dr. Saif Al Abri, Director General of Diseases Control and Surveillance, and Dr. Jumana Al Abdawani, Director of International Relations and Organisations.
