Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health: What was presented during the forum represents steps in the right direction
The Federal Ministry of Health concluded its periodic forum for coordinators of the Public Health Institute’s programs in the states. The two-day forum was held in the main hall at the Ministry’s headquarters in Khartoum, with the attendance of the Federal Minister of Health, Professor Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, the Undersecretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ali Babiker Sayed Ahmed, the Director General of the Institute, Dr. Osama Al-Shafi’i Siralkhatim, and a number of state ministers of health and directors of general departments. The forum was held under the slogan “Family Medicine for a Healthy System.”
During the forum, the Federal Minister of Health emphasized the importance of family medicine and the smart operating system project for health institutions. He pointed out that the project represents a strategic step towards developing the infrastructure of the health sector and enhances performance efficiency, response speed, and the quality of services provided to citizens. He also explained that the project is part of a comprehensive plan to rebuild the Sudanese health system after the challenges it has faced in recent years, particularly the targeting of health facilities by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militias.
The Minister praised the role of the Institute of Public Health in capacity building and developing healthcare personnel, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with academic and community institutions.
For his part, the Undersecretary of the Ministry noted the significant role the Institute plays in the Ministry’s strategic thinking, highlighting the importance of family medicine and commending the Institute’s focus on this field. He called for the development of plans and projects that align with the changes imposed by the war. He considered the discussions held during the forum to be steps in the right direction and the beginning of change and development in the health sector. He pointed out that the health system needs a new vision based on quality service delivery, and that developed countries have prioritized family medicine as the foundation of their healthcare systems.
The Undersecretary affirmed that the year 2026 will be built on a health system based on family medicine, noting that the smart operating system represents a solution to many of the problems facing the delivery of health services. For his part, the Director General of the Institute thanked the participants from the states, both those attending in person and those participating virtually, praising the Ministry leadership’s attention to the Institute and its prioritization. He expressed his hope that the forum’s recommendations would be implemented to achieve a healthy healthcare system.
In the same vein, the Minister of Health of Gezira State, Dr. Osama Abdel Rahman, delivered a speech on behalf of the state representatives. He thanked the Federal Ministry of Health for its support and assistance to the states, emphasizing the importance of family medicine and the necessity of making it a priority in all Sudanese states. He commended the scientific papers presented during the forum, expressed his hope for the strong revival of the family medicine program, and announced his commitment to implementing the smart operating system, calling on all states to ensure the project’s success.