Monday 30 / June / 2025
Muscat: The Muscat Rehabilitation Centre, a pivotal specialized facility in Oman for addiction treatment and rehabilitation, officially opened today (Monday) in the Wilayat of Amerat. This inauguration marks a significant step in the national initiative to develop the healthcare system and enhance the quality of life for individuals recovering from addiction. The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, with the notable presence of H.E. Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, alongside a distinguished assembly of officials and representatives from various relevant organizations.
Dr. Yousef Al-Farsi, Director General of Muscat Health, emphasized that the centre represents a substantial advancement in Oman's mental and social healthcare system. It is designed to offer a comprehensive suite of specialized treatment and rehabilitation services for addiction recovery, providing a secure therapeutic environment and robust programs built on a rigorous scientific approach. These programs are aimed at empowering individuals towards positive change and utilize the latest global methods and technologies. Treatment follows a graduated plan, beginning with medically supervised detoxification, progressing to a short-term rehabilitation phase focused on psychological support and self-stability, and culminating in a long-term rehabilitation phase. The ultimate goal of this long-term phase is to help individuals rebuild healthy, stable lifestyles and effectively reintegrate into society. Dr. Al-Farsi concluded that this holistic approach creates genuine opportunities for a return to normal, healthy life, thereby directly contributing to community safety and psychological stability.
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and Al Jisr Foundation highlighted their integral roles in bringing the centre to fruition. Eng. Mohammed Ali Al Aghbari, PDO’s External Affairs, Government Relations and Communications Manager, stated that the centre's launch is a crucial step in advancing mental and behavioural healthcare services in Oman, expressing pride in PDO's partnership with the Ministry of Health and Al Jisr Foundation. He noted PDO’s commitment to ensuring the centre meets national expectations and delivers meaningful social impact, aligning with Oman Vision 2040. Jumana Al-Zadjali, Initiatives and Charitable Projects Officer at Al Jisr Foundation, further underscored the centre as a milestone in addiction treatment and rehabilitation in Oman, representing a progressive stride towards a healthier and more cohesive society. She stressed that the centre is a testament to comprehensive partnership among public, private, and civil sectors, uniting efforts to serve a vital segment of the population in urgent need of support and safe reintegration.
The Muscat Rehabilitation Centre offers a wide array of services, including medical, psychological, social, physiotherapy, and vocational therapy. Equipped with cutting-edge global technologies and practices in addiction recovery, it aims to mitigate the adverse effects of addiction and bolster Oman’s broader anti-substance abuse initiatives. The project's first phase was funded by PDO with OMR 2.5 million, while Al Jisr Foundation contributed OMR 900,000 for the second phase, bringing the total cost to OMR 3.4 million. The Ministry of Health provided full outfitting, including furniture, medical devices, and IT equipment.
The establishment of this centre responds to the escalating demand for expanded preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services for individuals grappling with addiction, offered by the Ministry of Health. It also focuses on providing essential aftercare services and supporting patient reintegration into society. This collaborative effort among governmental, private, and civil society institutions aims to reduce stigma and fortify community support for affected individuals. Furthermore, the centre strategically eases the burden on other hospitals and reaffirms Oman's dedication to achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040, particularly the objective of fostering a society with sustainable health and high-quality preventive and curative healthcare services.
The Muscat Rehabilitation Center features five inpatient wards with a total capacity of 130 beds, comprising 96 for males and 34 for females. These include two detoxification units (20 male, 10 female beds) and two short-term rehabilitation units (66 male, 24 female beds). Additionally, the centre houses a forensic medicine department for men with 10 beds for compulsory treatment referrals and integrates services from the Rehabilitation House Center for a seven-month long-term program, offering up to 40 beds. Supporting facilities encompass a reception, registration, examination department, outpatient clinics with four consultation rooms, dedicated clinics for psychologists and social workers, a laboratory, pharmacy, security building, a multipurpose hall, vocational training workshops, and recreational areas.
