Khoula Hospital earns ‘Baby-friendly’ accreditation from WHO, Unicef
Khoula Hospital has been awarded the 'Baby-friendly Hospital' accreditation by World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef). This recognition distinguishes Khoula Hospital as the first government facility in Oman to receive such international certification, underscoring its dedication to enhancing paediatric care.
The certificate was presented at a ceremony held under the patronage of H E Dr Saeed bin Hareb al Lamki, Undersecretary for Health in the Ministry of Health, on Monday in presence of Unicef representative to Oman Sumaira Chaudhry.
The recognition marks a significant stride towards nurturing a child-friendly healthcare environment in the sultanate.
On the occasion, Dr Rashid bin Mohammed al Alawi, Director General of Khoula Hospital, reiterated its commitment to elevating the standard of healthcare for children and their families. He outlined the comprehensive efforts made over the past year to ensue children's rights and healthcare needs, leading to this commendable achievement.
The hospital has implemented several initiatives to secure the accreditation, including creation of a welcoming environment for children and mothers. Special provisions such as dedicated breastfeeding rooms, staff training on paediatric and maternal needs, and offering counselling and psychological support services to breastfeeding mothers were highlighted as key factors in achieving this recognition.
According to Dr Alawi, this achievement is the beginning of Khoula Hospital's journey towards excellence in paediatric care, with a vision to continually advance healthcare services for children to the highest possible standards.
Dr Salima bint Ali al Maamari, Director of Nutrition Department in the Ministry of Health, lauded the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) as a crucial programme for promoting breastfeeding within healthcare settings. She commended the Directorate General of Khoula Hospital for its steadfast commitment to implementing the ten-step BFHI, noting the exceptional efforts of medical staff in enhancing healthcare services for the community.
The accreditation follows meticulous evaluations by the Ministry of Health's Nutrition Department, affirming Khoula Hospital's adherence to the BFHI'S stringent criteria for promoting and supporting breastfeeding practices.
The BFHI, initiated in 1991 by WHO and Unicef in response to the 1990 Innocenti Declaration, aims to equip healthcare facilities with guidelines to improve breastfeeding practices.