MUSCAT, APRIL 29
The Directorate-General of the Royal Hospital, Ministry of Health, held a health awareness event at the Ministry of Information on Wednesday.
Royal Hospital nurses conducted a month-long health awareness campaign throughout April, targeting various organisations.
The event included awareness programmes and activities in various health fields, such as elderly care, CPR, obesity, diabetes, organ transplantation, and managing emergencies like fainting and heatstroke. A specialised group of nursing staff participated, promoting preventative health concepts, disease awareness, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
Believing in the importance of community partnership and integration among government institutions to support national health initiatives, the campaign was held in different locations. "We are here to assist in the early detection of diseases. We are conducting rapid tests for HIV, pulmonary tests, spirometry tests for asthma detection, and blood tests for diabetes and blood pressure screening," said Halima al Balushi, General Nurse at the Royal Hospital.
The National Genetics Centre also participated in the campaign, screening for blood disorders and providing genetic counselling to prevent genetic disorders in offspring.
Halima, the chief organiser, mentioned that the campaigns were conducted in various parts of the Muscat Governorate. "We visited Al Rustaq to support the elderly centre and will conclude in Nizwa with a big event on May 1. We will celebrate all these achievements on International Nurses Day," she added.
The campaign targeted the entire community, including citizens and expatriates, and ensured information was available in both Arabic and English. Halima noted that the feedback received was positive, with the public expressing a desire for more frequent health programmes and emphasising the importance of early detection and diagnosis.
Regardless of age group, Royal Hospital nurses focused on the health of children, adults, teenagers, and elders, visiting homes, schools, ministries, large companies, associations, and non-governmental organisations.
When asked about their message to the community, Halima stressed the importance of health consciousness and seeking medical support for any signs or symptoms, urging individuals not to ignore their health needs.
Turqiya al Salman from the centre said, "We receive referral cases from all over Oman. We screen blood disorders."
Bulqees al Barashdi, a nurse at the Paediatric Wing of the Royal Hospital, focused on raising awareness of kidney function in children. She emphasised the importance of seeking medical assistance if a child experiences prolonged loose motions or vomiting, as it could lead to dehydration and kidney damage.
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