
Better support mooted for individuals with disabilities in Oman
Muscat – As part of its ongoing efforts to support and empower individuals with disabilities, the Ministry of Social Development held a consultative meeting on Tuesday with representatives from government, private and community-based rehabilitation centres.
The meeting aimed to highlight the ministry's role in enhancing services for persons with disabilities, while also addressing the main challenges facing rehabilitation centres and exploring ways to strengthen cooperation and unified action among all stakeholders.
Discussions during the meeting focused on the various services and programmes provided by the Department of Persons with Disabilities. These include the issuance of disability identification cards, the provision of assistive devices and supportive equipment, and access to rehabilitation services at specialised centres.
Participants reviewed the key obstacles faced by rehabilitation centres and put forward a number of development proposals aimed at improving the quality of services offered. The discussions also emphasised the importance of greater coordination to ensure more comprehensive support and care for individuals with disabilities across the country.
According to the ministry, a total of 119 rehabilitation centres comprising government, private and community-based institutions were operating in Oman by the end of 2024. Of these, 19 centres were newly established during that year. The number of beneficiaries reached 8,893 individuals. Additionally, the ministry distributed 10,795 assistive devices in 2024, while the number of individuals issued a 'Person with Disability' card stood at 64,087 till the end of the year.

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Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Better support mooted for individuals with disabilities in Oman
Muscat – As part of its ongoing efforts to support and empower individuals with disabilities, the Ministry of Social Development held a consultative meeting on Tuesday with representatives from government, private and community-based rehabilitation centres. The meeting aimed to highlight the ministry's role in enhancing services for persons with disabilities, while also addressing the main challenges facing rehabilitation centres and exploring ways to strengthen cooperation and unified action among all stakeholders. Discussions during the meeting focused on the various services and programmes provided by the Department of Persons with Disabilities. These include the issuance of disability identification cards, the provision of assistive devices and supportive equipment, and access to rehabilitation services at specialised centres. Participants reviewed the key obstacles faced by rehabilitation centres and put forward a number of development proposals aimed at improving the quality of services offered. The discussions also emphasised the importance of greater coordination to ensure more comprehensive support and care for individuals with disabilities across the country. According to the ministry, a total of 119 rehabilitation centres comprising government, private and community-based institutions were operating in Oman by the end of 2024. Of these, 19 centres were newly established during that year. The number of beneficiaries reached 8,893 individuals. Additionally, the ministry distributed 10,795 assistive devices in 2024, while the number of individuals issued a 'Person with Disability' card stood at 64,087 till the end of the year.


Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
MoSD, Unicef launch guide to boost child protection
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Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman with Unicef unveils national Child Protection Guide
Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) office in Oman, launched the Child Protection Guide on Monday as part of its efforts to strengthen unified national mechanisms for child protection across the sultanate. The launch event, held under the patronage of H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najar, Minister of Social Development, was attended by representatives from government bodies, civil society organisations and international partners. Designed as a practical reference in line with the best international practices, the guide targets frontline workers such as social specialists, educators and healthcare providers. It aims to unify terminology, streamline referral procedures, and enhance coordination among stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective response to child protection cases. Maani bint Abdullah al Busaidi Speaking at the event, Maani bint Abdullah al Busaidi, Director General of Family Development at the ministry, described the guide as a key milestone in integrating national child protection efforts. 'It empowers professionals to respond more effectively to cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation and supports the implementation of the national child protection framework in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the Child Law,' she said. Unicef representative to Oman, Sumaira Chowdhury, said the guide symbolises a strong partnership between Unicef and the government of Oman. 'It reflects a shared commitment to take humane and effective action to protect children from harm and build robust, integrated protection systems throughout the country,' she noted. The guide is the result of close cooperation between the ministry and Unicef and complements existing initiatives to build the capacities of child protection workers, enhance the national case management system, and raise public awareness around children's rights. To ensure effective implementation, the ministry, in coordination with Unicef, will roll out a series of 'training of trainers' workshops across various governorates.