MUSCAT: Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Oman’s Minister of Labour inaugurated the International Occupational Health Summit (IOHS) which kicked off on February 5 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and in collaboration with Oman Energy Association (OPAL), the summit serves to highlight Oman's efforts and role in occupational health on local, regional, and global scales, aiming to achieve world-class occupational health standards and practices across various industries.
Centered on the theme "Towards a Sustainable Health Excellence at the Workplace," Abdulrahman al Yahyaei, CEO of Oman Energy Association (OPAL) and summit chairman, set the stage for the event, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Oman Energy Association and the support received from esteemed organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). He stressed the importance of creating a workplace that combines productivity with sustainability and health orientation.
Al Yahyaei recognised the essential role of policymakers and industry leaders in establishing laws, regulations, and industry standards, which serve as a foundation for achieving excellence in occupational health. Over 100 experts from more than 20 countries participated in the summit, engaging in discussions and workshops on various fields, such as occupational health, industrial hygiene, mental health, and non-communicable diseases.
Dr Saeed al Lamki, Under-Secretary for Health Affairs at the Ministry of Health delivered the keynote address. Al Lamki's speech shed light on the significance of occupational health and its impact on the well-being of the Omani workforce. He emphasised that occupational health is not merely a medical concern but an essential element for economic and social advancement. Dr Al Lamki highlighted that occupational injuries and diseases globally account for more than 4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually, indicating the need for urgent action.
Dr Al Lamki said that out of the more than 5 million population in Oman, there are approximately 2.2 million individuals who are part of the workforce. With half of the population falling within the working age group, the responsibility to ensure the health and safety of workers is paramount. He emphasised the importance of maintaining present well-being and creating a sustainable future.
Oman has made substantial progress in acknowledging the urgency of the occupational health issue by establishing organisations and policies, integrating occupational health into the global health and development agenda. The Ministry of Health has implemented a comprehensive strategy that aligns occupational health initiatives with their Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) objectives.
One noteworthy achievement is the integration of technology into an ongoing service system, providing event-based surveillance for threats to public health. This dynamic system incorporates environmental and occupational indicators, improving intervention and productivity while mitigating adverse effects. Additionally, Oman has established one of the most comprehensive patient safety systems in the region, integrating healthcare worker safety into quality improvement projects.
Dr Al Lamki revealed plans to extend occupational health services to all the governorates of Oman by 2024. This endeavour reflects the government's commitment to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of the working population.
Oman continues to lead the way in occupational health initiatives, cementing its position as a pioneer in the region. With a strategic focus on sustainability and a comprehensive patient safety system, the country is setting an example for others to follow. The International Occupational Health Summit serves as a platform to share knowledge, address challenges, and explore innovative solutions, ultimately working towards a thriving and sustainable nation.
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