MUSCAT, NOV 18
As many as 30,799 people, comprising both citizens and expatriates, got themselves screened for diabetes and risk assessment at the 120 special centres over two days last week.
The screening entered into Guinness World Records by breaking the earlier record of 12,714 done in 24 hours in just 5 hours and 18 minutes.
This initiative was jointly arranged by the Ministry of Health and Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals, coinciding with World Diabetes Day.
Speaking to the Observer, Dr Muhanna bin Nasser al Musalhi, Director-General of Private Health Institutions, Ministry of Health, praised this joint initiative and the achievement.
“The community initiative achieved its goals, and the participation of more than 30,799 citizens and residents demonstrates the community's awareness of the importance of early screening and prevention of chronic diseases. The ministry provides free checkups for Omanis aged 35 and above at its various health centres, and I encourage citizens to take advantage of them. The Ministry of Health supports the private health sector and considers it an important partner and an integral part of the comprehensive health coverage system. The ministry maintains strict oversight of service quality and has conducted over 9,500 inspection visits in the last three years.”
This screening found 1,397 participants to be High Risk, 8,165 were found at moderate risk and 21,237 at low risk. The risk scoring was done based on the International Diabetes Federation Questionnaire and the outcomes of the blood sugar test.
Abdul Latheef, Managing Director of Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals and Board Member of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), highlighted the extensive logistics and hard work behind the campaign.
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