Muscat Governorate fulfils its Community Roles to Reduce Influential Issues
28/09/2025
Within what the writer Dr. Abdullah Bahjaj expressed regarding the governorates` various sectors to address serious social issues, particularly the drugs issue, Muscat Governorate appreciates this proposal and affirms strengthening its community roles through following up the relevant entities, through Their Excellencies the Walis’ Offices, health and social committees, and municipal councils, and in partnership with various sectors and civil society institutions.
These efforts align with the Governorates Regulation issued in 2022, Article (11) gives the Governor the responsibility to boost economic and social aspects and communicate with local community. As well as, Article (21) of the Municipal Councils Law, which requires studying social issues and negative practices and suggesting appropriate solutions.
According to the Public Prosecution`s recent statement, more than 6,700 cases of narcotics and psychotropic substances were reported in Oman during 2023 and 2024. Thus increasing institutional and societal efforts to all entities.
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Integrated Efforts in Muscat Governorate
"Say No Challenge" Initiative in Seeb
The Health Committee in Seeb implemented the "Challenge to Say No to Smoking and Psychotropic Substances" initiative beginning the academic year 2024. It targeted eighth grade school students, in cooperation with several governments and community institutions. This initiative was launched after coordination meetings that included introductory lectures, awareness presentations, and dialogues on the effects of smoking and psychotropic substances. Alongside training students on wise behaviours to deal with pressures and temptations. -
"Together We Unite" Awards Mutrah Second Place
Mutrah ranked second in the third edition of the community competition to reduce drugs and psychotropic substances, entitled "Together We Unite". Thus reflecting awareness of institutional and community partnerships.
The campaign`s efforts comprised public events, seminars and workshops in schools, public councils and mosques, awareness-training courses for staff. Additionally, supporting economic enterprises for recovering patients and families, awareness exhibitions and a mobile bus delivering awareness messages in Mutrah Souk.
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"Be Part of the Solution" in Bawshar
The Health Committee in Bawshar conducted a range of initiatives during 2023 and 2024. The most remarkable was participation in the "Be Part of the Solution" community competition, which raised awareness of the harmful effects of drugs and volunteers` role to reduce this issue.
This initiative focused on training youth teams to identify addictions and referring them to specialised authorities for treatment and rehabilitation, and creating educational visual content.
In May 2025, Muscat College inaugurated awareness projects involving mini exhibitions, paintings and artworks on the harmful effects of drugs. In February 2024, Al Azaiba Beach Health Centre arranged educational events in collaboration with government and private health entities.
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Muscat Taafi Centre in Al Amerat
His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, recently sponsored the inauguration of the Muscat Taafi Centre by the Ministry of Health in Al Amerat. This centre provides 130 beds (men 96 and women 34) including detoxification, rehabilitation and forensic departments, clinics, laboratory and pharmacy. It aims to reduce addiction damages and relapse, provide a safe place to promote long-term recovery. While ensuring that recovering patients successfully rejoin society through public, private sectors and civil society`s efforts.
Institutional Vision and Integration:
Muscat Governorate recognises serious issues of drugs. It confirms that facing this challenge can be achieved through institutional and community efforts, promoting prevention and supporting community initiatives. This requires utilising legislative and implementation abilities to achieve this purpose as the reality. Thus boosting psychological and social security and protecting society`s members against these influences.