ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
The Sultanate of Oman reinforced its commitment to global health innovation by hosting a high-level side event recently during the 79th session of the World Health Organization World Health Assembly in Geneva. The event brought together ministers, policymakers, international organisations, and health experts to discuss ways to accelerate trusted digital transformation in healthcare amid the rapidly growing use of artificial intelligence worldwide.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health of Oman, stressed that trusted digital transformation has become a governance necessity rather than a future option. He highlighted that the WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (2025–2028) identifies digital health and artificial intelligence as key pillars in achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Al Sabti pointed to Oman’s pioneering experience in digital healthcare, explaining that successful transformation goes beyond adopting modern technology.
He said it requires visionary leadership, realistic planning, sustainable investment, and continuous development of human capabilities to ensure long-term success and resilience in healthcare systems. He also underlined the importance of equity in the digital health ecosystem, calling for equal access to support, expertise, and partnerships for all countries regardless of their technological advancement. According to him, fairness and inclusion must remain central to the global digital health agenda.
The event comes at a time when health systems across the world are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies for clinical care, disease surveillance, healthcare financing, and strategic planning. At the same time, cyber threats targeting hospitals and public health institutions continue to rise, making trusted governance and digital security critical priorities. The initiative further reflects Oman’s growing leadership role in international health cooperation and its commitment to promoting responsible, well-governed digital transformation in the healthcare sector.
