2nd zakat beneficiaries treatment initiative opens in July

Muscat: Based on the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to allocate funds for the treatment of eligible zakat beneficiaries, the Ministry of Health (MoH), in partnership with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) through the Health Endowment Foundation (Athar), has announced the launch of the second edition of the Zakat Beneficiaries Treatment Initiative, expanding access to healthcare services through the private healthcare sector.

The initiative reflects the Royal commitment to ensuring that registered zakat beneficiaries receive timely medical treatment while reinforcing the values of social solidarity, compassion and community partnership that form an integral part of Omani society. It also supports the country's efforts to improve quality of life, reduce disparities in healthcare access and shorten waiting times for specialised medical services.

Registration for the second edition will open on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and continue until August 20, 2026, for eligible zakat beneficiaries registered with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. Treatment procedures are scheduled to begin in September 2026.

The programme covers surgical procedures and diagnostic imaging services at accredited private healthcare institutions across all governorates of the Sultanate. By utilising the capacity of the private health sector, the initiative aims to accelerate treatment for eligible patients and ease waiting lists at referral hospitals, contributing to a more sustainable and integrated healthcare system.

According to the Ministry of Health, the initiative is designed to strengthen social solidarity and giving while promoting a comprehensive and sustainable healthcare system. It also seeks to foster greater collaboration between the public and private sectors, in addition to zakat committees, charitable organisations and endowment institutions, to support national healthcare objectives.

Eligibility is limited to zakat beneficiaries registered with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs through its offices in the governorates. Applicants must have a recommendation from specialist physicians at government healthcare institutions for the required diagnostic tests or surgical procedures. In addition, the requested treatment must be available at participating private healthcare institutions.

Registration will be conducted electronically through the 'Zakat Beneficiaries Treatment Initiative' portal on the Ministry of Health's e-services platform. Applications may also be submitted through zakat committees affiliated with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in the respective governorates.

The Ministry clarified that the initiative covers surgical operations and diagnostic imaging services only and does not include cosmetic or rehabilitation procedures.

Officials said the initiative represents a continuation of the Royal directives to ensure equitable access to healthcare for vulnerable groups while enhancing cooperation between government institutions, the private sector and charitable organisations in delivering timely and effective medical care.