Ministry launches health survey

Oman’s Ministry of Health issued a statement to quell rumours on social media

MUSCAT: Teams of canvassers from the Ministry of Health are currently knocking on doors across Oman to compile a health census on non-communicable diseases.

Eleven teams have been formed and they are busy visiting almost 10,000 homes across the country, the ministry announced.

Rumours spreading about a team of medical personnel approaching homes and taking blood sugar samples and spreading AIDS have been played down by the Ministry of Health.

A rumour doing rounds on social media about a medical team from the College of Medicine approaching homes to take blood sugar samples and spread AIDS/HIV, have been played down by the Ministry of Health saying that they are a team of surveyors from the Center of Studies and Research at the MOH conducting a national health survey. A statement released by the MOH says, “The Center for Studies and Research affiliated with MOH wants to make it clear for nationals and residents that it is conducting a national medical survey for non-communicable diseases and their danger levels.”

Speaking to a representative from The Center for Studies and Research, he said that this survey is an international requirement and it will give them a broader view of where the weakness in the medical sector persists and which areas of focus should be taken with importance. “This survey is nationally and internationally required and we conduct it every five to eight years. We will get a much clearer view of the weak points and will be able to determine which area needs more focus,” explained the official.

The MOH statement said that the team will visit families in various governorates and collect medical information as well as conduct a series of tests for the survey.

The survey was commenced in mid-February and will go on for two months, depending on how quickly the survey is completed. Eleven teams have been formed, one for each of the Sultanate’s governorate, where they will visit 9,450 homes throughout the course of the survey.

COLLECTING DATA: Dismissing unverified reports that a medical team from the College of Medicine was approaching families to take blood sugar samples, while spreading AIDS/HIV, the MoH said the team of surveyors were from its Center of Studies and...