Muscat – With students returning to schools and universities, Ministry of Health (MoH), represented by the School and University Health Department, has unveiled its health plan for 2024-2025.
Dr Anood al Badi, Acting School and University Health Director, informed that MoH is intensifying efforts to enhance the health of school students and the broader educational community in an integrated manner. It continuously works to improve school health by implementing comprehensive health programmes that provide both curative and preventive services, addressing both physical and mental aspects of the educational community.
MoH is focused on creating a “healthy, mentally and physically sound, academically outstanding, and socially engaged school and university generation” by offering a complete system of preventive, curative, and supportive services and employing governance to adapt to life conditions and create a safe and healthy environment.
Schools are the ideal environment for promoting health education, as these provide an organised way to reach the student population. The National School Health Plan aligns with Oman Vision 2040 priorities, aiming to develop a leading health system with international standards by providing comprehensive and equitable healthcare across various governorates in Oman. Currently, there are 742 school health service providers distributed throughout Oman, with 94% of schools having clinics.
Initiatives like the School Health Promotion Initiative adopted by MoH and Ministry of Education in collaboration with World Health Organization, UNICEF and Al Jisr Foundation, play a crucial role. This initiative has been described as “a process that empowers students and the entire educational community to increase their control over their health and its determinants in ways that lead to improved health outcomes”. It aims to provide necessary policies, knowledge and skills to promote health, in addition to creating a supportive health environment. These efforts are effective in enhancing students’ understanding, raising their awareness, correcting misconceptions and practices, and developing awareness to prevent surrounding risks.
MoH’s comprehensive plan for the new academic year includes expanded immunisation programmes for students in Grades 1 and 6, and health awareness and education programmes.
The plan also features four early detection services – Comprehensive medical examination for students in Grades 1, 7 and 10; Eye health programme for Grades 1, 4, 7 and 10; A preventive oral and dental health programme for Grades 1 and 2; and Ear health programme for Grade 1 students.
School-based clinics are being equipped to effectively deliver these services, including first aid, case referrals and chronic condition monitoring. Additional programmes include the Adolescent Health Programme, Peer Education Programme and Mental Health Programme.
Badi emphasised the importance of health promotion as an ongoing process, particularly in higher education, where the Higher Education Health Promotion Programme encourages healthy behaviours and aims to create a safe university environment.
