Saturday 11 / April / 2026
Muscat: The Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) carried out a series of field visits to institutions in the Governorates of North Al Batinah Governorate and Al Buraimi Governorate, as part of its mandate to monitor human rights conditions and ensure the quality of services provided in healthcare and social care facilities.
The visits were led by Professor Rashid bin Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Human Rights Commission and included a delegation that inspected several hospitals and rehabilitation centres to assess service delivery and engage with officials on human rights-related matters.
During the delegation’s visit to Al Buraimi Governorate, the team met with Sayyid Dr. Hamad bin Ahmed Al Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi.
The meeting included an introduction to the Commission’s mandate and its role in conducting field inspections as part of its statutory responsibilities. Discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation between local authorities and the Commission to support the protection and promotion of human rights.
As part of the field programme, the delegation visited Sohar Hospital, where they met with the Director General of Health Services in North Al Batinah Governorate and hospital administrators. The team was briefed on key medical statistics and the range of healthcare services provided. Particular attention was given to health rights and services offered to persons with disabilities and older persons.
The delegation also visited Al Salwa Health Care Center in Sohar, which provides medical, psychological, and social rehabilitation services for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The center works in coordination with the private sector to support reintegration into society, with the delegation emphasizing the importance of ensuring patients’ rights to treatment and rehabilitation.
In Al Buraimi Governorate, the team visited Al Buraimi Hospital, where they reviewed recent achievements in the health sector and discussed the challenges facing healthcare delivery. The visit highlighted the importance of ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for citizens and residents without discrimination.
The delegation also inspected Al Wafa Center for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, touring its facilities and reviewing the services provided to persons with disabilities. The center focuses on education, rehabilitation, and vocational training aimed at empowering beneficiaries and enhancing their integration into society. The team also discussed operational challenges and future development opportunities.
The Commission noted that these field visits are conducted in accordance with Article (11) of Royal Decree No. (57/2022), which authorizes the body to inspect prisons, detention centers, hospitals, and labor accommodations, and to monitor human rights conditions in these institutions.
The visits reflect the Commission’s continued efforts to strengthen oversight, promote human dignity, and ensure the delivery of quality services across health and social care institutions in the Sultanate.
