Muscat: In collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), the Social Protection Fund (SPF) recently hosted a media briefing on Oman’s disability support system at the Movenpick Hotel in Muscat.
The event drew the participation of journalists and representatives from international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef, and spotlighted updates following Ministerial Decision No (R/12/2024), which revised certain provisions of the Executive Regulations of the Social Protection Law.
The session commenced with an overview of the ‘Disability Benefit’ programme, which grants monthly financial assistance to Omani citizens with permanent disabilities who meet the criteria under the Executive Regulations.
The programme aims to foster a sustainable support system for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to overcome challenges and engage actively in society through various rehabilitation initiatives.
Five key presentations anchored the event, beginning with Shamsa bint Hamdan al Tamimiyah, Director of Medical Affairs at the Social Protection Fund, who discussed the eligibility criteria and benefits of the disability support system. Shamsa al Tamimi emphasised the fund’s goal of delivering essential protection, care, and a monthly financial benefit of RO 130 to eligible individuals.
She also highlighted ongoing reviews, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Development, to refine the classification of disabilities and improve the support framework.
Badr bin Fraish al Yahyaei, Assistant Director-General for Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), elaborated on the ministry’s efforts to empower people with disabilities.
He outlined services such as issuing disability identification cards through an online portal, early intervention programmes, assistive devices, and vocational rehabilitation initiatives in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI). Dr Ahmed bin Hamad al Wahaibi from the Ministry of Health discussed the medical assessment of disabilities, focusing on intellectual, auditory, and visual impairments, as well as conditions like autism and Down syndrome.
He underscored the ministry’s plans to establish specialised rehabilitation centres, expand partnerships, and elevate healthcare standards for persons with disabilities.
Contributions from WHO’s Dr Sherif Azaddin stressed the importance of involving individuals with disabilities in policymaking. Dr Azaddin reiterated WHO’s commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare in line with international standards and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Similarly, Dr Bilal Al Kaswani from Unicef Oman emphasised social protection efforts for children with disabilities through inclusive programmes.
Concluding the event, the Social Protection Fund launched a Braille version of the Social Protection Law and its Executive Regulations, in the presence of Dr Raed al Farsi, Chairman of the Al Noor Association for the Blind.
This initiative underscores the fund’s dedication to accessibility and inclusivity, reaffirming their commitment to legal knowledge as a fundamental right for all.
The briefing highlighted Oman’s coordinated efforts to enhance the disability support system, empowering individuals with disabilities through improved policies and sustainable outcomes.
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