Muscat: In affirmation of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s keenness to enhance the values of social solidarity and compassion, His Majesty the Sultan issued royal directives to allocate RO 1 million to the Ministry of Health's “Athar” Health Endowment Foundation.
The royal support is dedicated to facilitating treatment for zakat-eligible patients in private healthcare institutions, thereby widening access to medical services for the most vulnerable groups. This noble gesture reflects His Majesty’s far-sighted vision of promoting community wellbeing, alleviating financial burdens, and reinforcing the principles of giving and cooperation that characterise Omani society.
The initiative aims to improve the quality of life, reduce healthcare gaps, and accelerate access to medical services for different segments of society.
Ministers and officials hail the royal gesture
Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, said the directives embody His Majesty’s care for citizens in need, making treatment in private hospitals accessible to zakat-eligible patients. “This step opens the doors of healthcare to them, granting greater reassurance and easing their path to recovery,” he affirmed.
Dr Mohammed bin Said al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, said that the “Treatment of zakat recipients” initiative represents a noble manifestation of His Majesty’s compassion and his constant care for the welfare of citizens. He described it as “a generous act that strengthens social solidarity, prioritises healthcare, and contributes to community building and development.
Supporting national stability and welfare
Dr Sami bin Sulaiman al Farsi, Director General of the National Centre for Women and Child Health, emphasised that the royal directives reflect “a forward-looking vision for the future” by reinforcing family stability and enabling deserving patients to access appropriate treatment.
Dr Abeer bint Abdullah al Maamari, Project Director for Treating Zakat Recipients, described the allocation of RO 1 million as “a pioneering humanitarian model” that integrates health, social, and economic priorities. She noted that it sets an example of innovative zakat utilisation in strengthening healthcare and expanding cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Hilal bin Hamad al Sarimi, CEO of the “Athar” Health Foundation, said the royal gesture reaffirms the leadership’s commitment to social development needs and to consolidating effective partnerships across government, private, and religious institutions.
Dr Mohammed bin Salim al Kharousi, Director of the Zakat Department at the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, described the initiative as “a leading step” in enhancing values of solidarity and human dignity, while building on the robust zakat framework in the Sultanate.
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