NDC launches programme with focus on health security readiness

Muscat: The National Defence College (NDC) at the Academy for Strategic and Defence Studies on Sunday inaugurated its tenth Parallel Programme, titled “Health Security: Reality and Aspiration,” under the distinguished patronage of Rear Admiral Ali bin Abdullah Al Sheedi, Commandant of the National Defence College.

In his opening address, the NDC Commandant articulated that the strategic ambition for health security encompasses a fundamental transition from reactive response to proactive preparedness, from treatment-focused approaches to prevention-oriented strategies, and from dependency models to self-sufficiency frameworks.

He emphasissed that sustainable health security extends beyond physical infrastructure and medical facilities to encompass public awareness, knowledge development, intelligent governance systems, and the establishment of a robust national foundation comprising scientists and researchers capable of pioneering innovation in biomedical and preventive medicine.

The programme commenced with a comprehensive briefing detailing the principal objectives of the tenth Parallel Programme, which include assessing the current state of health security within the Sultanate of Oman, evaluating national readiness levels for responding to health emergencies and pandemic situations, and identifying strategic priorities for building sustainable health security infrastructure aligned with the long-term objectives of the “Oman Vision 2040”.

The inaugural day featured multiple technical lectures and working papers presented by an array of distinguished experts, researchers, and specialists from both within the Sultanate of Oman and international counterparts.

The programme will continue through 30 October, representing a key component of the National Defence College’s ongoing national mandate to enhance and develop leadership competencies and strategic capabilities among senior government officials, along with high-ranking officers from the Sultan’s Armed Forces and other military and security units. -