Transformation conference looks at modern healthcare challenges

Mohamed al Battashi
Muscat: The Oman College of Health Sciences hosted the Health Legislation and Digital Transformation Conference themed 'Local Vision and Global Experiences' on Monday at the Al Khalil bin Ahmed Al Farahidi Theatre, Military Technical College.
The event was held under the auspices of Dr Fatima bint Mohammed al Ajmiyah, Executive President of the Oman Medical Specialty Board. Over the two days, discussions tackled most pressing challenges facing modern healthcare: how to regulate and accelerate digital transformation.
According to experts, digital health is poised to reshape the way hospitals operate, how patients access care and how governments safeguard sensitive medical information.
The gathering drew experts and specialists from eight countries – Oman, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Iraq, Lebanon and Belgium – making it a meeting point for both local vision and international experience.
In his opening remarks, Dr Salem bin Abdullah al Salmi, Director of the Health Information Management Programme at the Oman College of Health Sciences and Director of the National Digital Health Strategy Project at the Ministry of Health, said, 'Artificial intelligence is created by humans, and those who train machines must have a depth of knowledge. The human role remains indispensable, even with the rise of AI.'
Speaking to the Observer, Al Salmi said, 'The conference focuses on regulations and how to regulate digital healthcare. It addresses the challenge institutions face when sharing data. Recommendations from this conference can help close any gaps, providing confidence to healthcare providers and patients that their information is secure with proper policies in place.'
Dr Zaina al Harmali, Associate Dean of the Oman College of Health Sciences in Al Dakhiliyah, said, 'The papers presented cover various subjects, all focused on shaping the health system in relation to law and transitioning from paperwork to an electronic-based system.'
She explained that some papers explored how to involve patients more actively in digital communication, moving them from passive recipients of care to engaged participants. 'We hope the recommendations generated can be implemented in reality,' she said.
The first day featured a series of sessions with panel discussions. The opening session, 'Digital Transformation in the Health Sector – Today’s Achievements, Tomorrow’s Vision', and was followed by 'The Legislative Framework in the Era of Digital Transformation.' The second session focused on 'Health Governance in the Context of Digital Practices.'