A ceremony to honor health centers receiving World Health Organization’s certificate of recognition as Patient Safety Friendly Primary Health Care Institutions 2025 was held today (Wednesday) at the Ministry of Health’s headquarter. 
The event was under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Mandhari, Undersecretary of Health Planning and Regulation, and attended by H.E. Dr. Jean Jabbour, Representative of the WHO Office in Oman, the Director General of the Quality Assurance Center, Directors General from various governorates, and heads of primary healthcare institutions and quality departments that participated in the 2025 evaluation.
The recognition aims to strengthen the culture of patient safety and enhance the quality of healthcare services by assessing healthcare institutions’ compliance with internationally approved standards. These standards focus on ensuring a safe care environment, reducing risks and incidents, and promoting the engagement of patients and healthcare professionals within the patient safety system.
In his speech, the event’s patron emphasized the importance of implementing the Patient Safety Framework to support the quality of health services. He noted that applying these standards reflects the Ministry’s commitment to developing the healthcare system and improving the level of services provided to the community.
Dr. Qamra Al-Sariri, Director General of the Quality Assurance Center, also delivered a speech outlining the concept of the Patient Safety-Friendly Primary Care Initiative, the approved evaluation mechanism, and the key areas targeted by the initiative. She highlighted the tangible positive impact achieved through implementing the framework in enhancing patient safety and the quality of care across primary healthcare institutions.
During the ceremony, seven health centers were announced as internationally recognized Patient Safety-Friendly Primary Health Care Institutions. These include Al-Wattayah and Al-Mawaleh Health Centers in Muscat Governorate; Al-Akhdar and Yanqul Health Centers in Al Dhahirah Governorate; Awqad and Al-Dhahariz Health Centers in Dhofar Governorate; and Al-Qabil Health Center in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate.
Notably, this group represents the first primary healthcare institutions in Oman to be evaluated under the Patient Safety-Friendly Primary Care framework (PSFPCF). The initiative marks a significant step by the Ministry of Health to strengthen quality and safety practices and promote the adoption of international standards, contributing to the development of a safer and more efficient healthcare system.