IDRIS AL BALUSHI
MUSCAT, OCT 9
The First GCC Mental Health Conference kicked off on Thursday under the theme 'Access to Services: Mental Health During Disasters and Emergencies'.
The three-day conference is organised by the Ministry of Health, represented by Al Masarra Hospital. The event coincides with World Mental Health Day.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Sulaiman bin Nasser al Hiji, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Administrative and Financial Affairs, and attended by government officials, specialists and researchers in the field of mental health from the Sultanate of Oman and other GCC states.
Dr Bader al Habsi, Executive Director of Al Masarra Hospital, said this year’s theme highlights the humanitarian dimension of mental healthcare, especially during crises, stressing that psychological care is as vital as physical care. "The ministry is developing an integrated system of mental health services focusing on awareness, treatment and rehabilitation, and on integrating psychological support into primary healthcare to ensure accessibility for all segments of society," he said.
The conference seeks to raise public awareness about mental health and enable researchers, decision-makers and health professionals to exchange expertise and knowledge. It also aims to showcase the latest research and innovative strategies that contribute to improving access to efficient mental health services.
The first day's activities included sessions about addiction, artificial intelligence (AI) and the role of traditional media and social media in highlighting mental health.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
