MUSCAT – In celebration of International Children’s Day, Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals organised a ‘Babies Meet’ for the babies, born at its medical establishments since its inception, at Marah Land in Qurum yesterday.

Badr Al Samaa, known for its innovations, has many firsts to its credit and this is also a first of its kind in the region. The event was well-attended with nearly 6,000 people, including the babies of different nationalities and their parents, being present.

Anil Wadhwa, Indian ambassador to the Sultanate, was the chief guest. Salem Al Haremi, adviser at the Ministry of Health, was the guest of honour. The function was also attended by Abdul Latheef, V.T. Vinod and P.A.Mohammed, members of the board of directors of Badr Al Samaa Group.

The function started with presentations from the three departments of the hospitals, Gynecology, Paediatrics and Psychiatry. While Dr Ameen (Paediatrics) spoke about the first year of a living baby, Dr Sophie Mathew (Gynecology) spoke about the common queries and doubts of prenatal and postnatal care for the baby, while Dr Gerald D’Costa (Psychiatry) gave a well informative presentation on child’s psychology.

In his welcome address, Abdul Latheef, MD, highlighted the statement made by late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, former prime minister of India, on children. “Children are like birds in heaven. They should be carefully nurtured as they are the future of tomorrow,” he had said.

V.T. Vinod, in his address, informed the gathering the group’s plan to open two new hospitals in Barka and Sur soon and it will be the seventh branch of the group. “Each patient, who stepped into Badr Al Samaa returned home after treatment with great joy of having found an excellent healthcare centre,” he said.

P.A. Mohammed noted that Badr Al Samaa had already catered to as many as two million patients in the last six years of its inception. “We started a revolution in the medical service sector in Oman,” he added.

The Badr Al Samaa Group owns, to its credit, a team of more than 350 doctors and 1,300 paramedical and other support staff.

The group started its first venture in the Sultanate in 2002 with the main branch at Ruwi. Within a short span, they were able to attain confidence of the Omani nationals and expatriates in the Sultanate.

Anil Wadhwa congratulated the management of Badr Al Samaa for organising the ‘Babies Day Out’ and appreciated the group for coming out with the idea of celebrating it on Children’s Day itself.

“These children born in Badr Al Samaa are the future of tomorrow. It’s a great idea to celebrate Baby’s Day on Children’s Day itself,” he said.

Anil Wadhwa later honoured 11 full-time gynecologists of Badr Al Samaa in recognition for their momentous work for the hospital.

The cultural programmes began with a welcome dance and it was followed by a variety entertainment shows including dances and music by some talented artistes both from Oman as well as India.

Dr Benny Panackal, cardiologist and medial director of Badr Al Samaa, proposed a vote of thanks.