In recognition of its efforts in maternal and child healthcare programs and its support for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, the Ministry of Health, represented by the Directorate General of Health Services and Programs, honored today (Monday) Rustaq Hospital for receiving international accreditation. The hospital is now recognized as the second “Mother-Friendly Hospital” and the third “Child-Friendly Hospital” in Oman.
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Eng. Masoud bin Saeed Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah, alongside members of the municipal council, Dr. Sami bin Suleiman Al Farsi, MOH’s Director General of Woman and Child Health Center, Dr. Nasser bin Abdullah Al Shukaili, Director General of South Al Batinah Health, and a number of officials, department heads, and staff from both the Ministry and Rustaq Hospital. 
Dr. Mahmoud Al Subhi, Director of Rustaq Hospital, said in his speech: “This accreditation is not merely a certificate to be displayed—it is a practice to be lived. Today’s achievement aligns with global initiatives led by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, which emphasize that supporting breastfeeding is a cornerstone of maternal and child health and a vital element in promoting public health.”
He added that the hospital has worked to create a supportive environment that enables mothers to initiate breastfeeding early and continue exclusively for the first six months, followed by appropriate complementary feeding. The hospital has also trained its healthcare staff and implemented evidence-based practices. Al Subhi highlighted that this achievement is the result of collaborative efforts between medical, nursing, and administrative teams, supported continuously by the Ministry of Health. 
The event included visual presentations highlighting Rustaq Hospital’s achievements as a Mother and Child-Friendly Hospital, as well as a presentation by Dr. Ahmed Al Farsi, Consultant in Pediatric Intensive Care at Rustaq Hospital, on the role of breastfeeding as therapy, not just nutrition.
The ceremony concluded with His Excellency the patron of the event presenting the international accreditation certificate to Rustaq Hospital, officially recognizing it as the second Mother-Friendly Hospital and the third Child-Friendly Hospital in Oman.
This recognition marks the ongoing dedication of Rustaq Hospital’s medical and administrative teams in implementing global standards for Mother and Child-Friendly Hospitals. The hospital provides a supportive environment for mothers and infants, applying best practices in maternal care, safe childbirth, breastfeeding support, early mother-infant contact, and professional staff training.
The accreditation represents a significant milestone in Rustaq Hospital’s mission to enhance healthcare services, support family and community health, and align with the Ministry of Health’s objectives to improve healthcare quality across Oman.